One former ref makes a very important point in the Mailbox about Klopp and others at elite level normalising abusive behaviour. Also: plenty on Arsenal, soft spots and Joe Gomez.
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This has to stop
I enjoyed the match at Anfield and thought Liverpool were well worth their win – never really felt that Man City had a sustained period of control. Some good performances on both sides but the outstanding performance of the day was the referee in my opinion. He let the game flow (without any silly tackles getting out of control) and got the major calls right.
My main point however is the appalling behaviour of Jurgen Klopp, all mad-eyed and spittle flecked fully ranting in someone’s face about a completely inconsequential decision that was called wrong. Shock horror, officials do make mistakes….but so do players. I can only imagine what Klopp did to Jota when he missed a clear header on goal or Nunez when he opted to shoot instead of play Salah in for a clear goal. But in reality, he’s a hypocrite….he won’t blame his players (nor would any manager in the PL when they can instead have a go at an assistant referee).
I was a qualified referee for many years and was eventually assaulted by a player who was subsequently banned for 5 years. Klopp’s behaviour normalises this attitude towards officials and I have no doubt that had yesterday’s incident occurred on a local park pitch without cameras and thousands of spectators it would have likely been physical.
I have no axe to grind with Liverpool specifically and there are other managers who also behave irresponsibly (see Guardiola during the VAR check yesterday), but if the FA is at all serious about halting the terrible rise in serious assaults on grass roots officials, the ban should be measured in months not days.
Name Witheld
What is violent conduct?
The Gabriel and Bamford debacle was pretty pathetic from both sides but I don’t understand how Gabriel’s red card gets rescinded. The penalty should be overuled because it is a free out first but surely violent conduct – which is what the red would be deemed for – stands whether or not you’ve been fouled first?
I guess it’s just this week’s referee campaigns against/for (delete whichever you feel suits your agenda) Arsenal.
Andy
…I’m a bit surprised by the lack of mention but the overturned red card in the Arsenal game was a glaring issue demonstrating, (to me at least) that…
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