Ex-Fifa officials slates chiefs after ‘massive’ Jurgen Klopp twist at Liverpool
Keith Hackett has admitted he is “disappointed” the FA did not appeal Jurgen Klopp’s “ridiculous” fine for his behaviour as Liverpool beat Man City 1-0 earlier this month (16 October).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested Klopp should serve a touchline ban because his actions set a bad example to the grassroots game.
The FA confirmed last week (27 October) that the 55-year-old had been handed a £30,000 fine but no touchline ban despite being shown a red card.
The decision was made by an independent panel but the FA can still appeal although there are no indications that they will.
“It’s a ridiculous fine, it’s peanuts,” Hackett told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“In a way, I agree with Klopp in terms of the decision because Mohamed Salah was fouled and they should have had a free-kick.
“Anthony Taylor was trying to play an advantage as he had done all game, in fairness to him.
“It was a simple free-kick not given but that does not Klopp to explode with his frustration on Gary Beswick.
“In Taylor and Beswick, we’ve got two world-class officials so he’s picked the wrong guys. He’s come out of his area and is threatening Beswick.
“What I’m disappointed in is that the FA have the right to appeal the decision and they haven’t done.
“What they are failing to recognise massively is they are in charge of referees up and down the country at grassroots level and leagues are struggling to get officials.
“The behaviour of managers and players at the very top level is being replicated on grassroots football fields up and down the country and the outcome of that is referees walking away from the game.
“They are failing to recognise their responsibility to the game. It’s a bit like ‘Oh, hang on, it’s the Premier League, are we standing off because we might not get the funds from them?’
In other news, Salah could “quit Liverpool” as a “huge offer” is expected.