Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has called for a replay of the controversial 2-1 defeat to Tottenham, reports Annie King from Anfield.
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) issued an apology for disallowing Luis Diaz’s first-half goal that was incorrectly ruled offside in a game that was marred by two questionable dismissals for Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota.
Citing a “significant human error” the PGMOL have since stood down VAR officials Darren England and Dan Cook from foreseeable games while also releasing the audio of the episode unfolding that clearly demonstrates how the mistake occurred.
The Reds would have topped the Premier League table with victory over Spurs after Manchester City lost to Wolves earlier on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie against Belgian visitors Union Saint-Gilloise, Klopp said: “I think the outcome should be a replay, that’s how it is. It probably won’t happen, but I think it is the right thing to do.
“I saw the goal we scored and it didn’t count. It’s really important that we deal with it in a proper way and all the people involved, they didn’t do their purpose. We should not forget that it was an obvious mistake and I think there could have been solutions to it.
“What made this day really difficult for us was all the other decisions. There was another situation where Curtis Jones got a red card and I stick with it now, it was not a red card.”
The Reds boss was positive about his team’s performance despite the loss that saw Joel Matip score an own goal in injury time.
He said: “We took a lot out of this game. I saw a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful team fighting against all odds. We didn’t get points but all the rest we can use and that is what we will do.”
Union Saint-Gilloise arrive at Anfield on top of the Belgian Pro League after a strong start to the domestic season.
A Mohamed Amoura goal saw them come from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Toulouse on matchday 1 of Europa Leage group E and Klopp was full of praise for Thursday night’s opponents.
He said: “We face a team that’s flying in the league, top of the table, despite losing key players and they’re really special so we have to be ready.”
Liverpool will be looking to consolidate their position at the top of Group E following the 3-1 away win over LASK on matchday 1. Kick off at Anfield is 8pm.
