Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp expressed frustration after his team lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur due to a last-minute own goal by Joel Matip. Klopp believed that his team was unfairly disadvantaged by a disallowed goal from Luis Diaz in the first half and the subsequent sending off of two Liverpool players.
Diaz scored for Liverpool just after the 30-minute mark, but the team was reduced to 10 men when Curtis Jones was sent off for a challenge on Yves Bissouma. Klopp felt that the VAR decision to send off Jones was harsh.
In the second half, substitute Diogo Jota was also shown a red card after receiving two quick yellow cards. Klopp argued that the first yellow card should not have been given as it was a result of a foul on Destiny Udogie, who appeared to trip himself up.
Klopp criticized the officials for their incorrect judgment on Diaz’s disallowed goal, stating that the offside call was incorrect. He also defended Jones, stating that his tackle was not malicious and that he accidentally stepped on the ball.
Despite the defeat, Klopp expressed pride in his team’s performance and their fighting spirit. He commended their resilience against a strong Tottenham side known for late home wins.
The referees body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), later admitted to a “significant human error” in disallowing Diaz’s goal. They acknowledged that VAR should have intervened and awarded the goal.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also criticized the VAR decision, emphasizing the need for clarity and consistency in its application. He praised his team’s effort and unity, highlighting their commitment to each other. Van Dijk described conceding an own goal in the final minutes as cruel.
The result moved Tottenham up to second place, just one point behind Manchester City, while Liverpool sits in fourth place.
In conclusion, Klopp and Liverpool were left frustrated by the disallowed goal, the sending off of two players, and the subsequent own goal that led to their defeat against Tottenham. They believed that the decisions made by the officials were unfair and called for greater clarity and consistency in VAR interventions. Despite the loss, Klopp praised his team’s fighting spirit and unity.
