Keith Hackett

Tue 18 October 2022 6:00, UK Updated Tue 18 October 2022 9:50, UK

Jurgen Klopp should be hit with a lengthy suspension for his “totally and utterly unacceptable” behaviour as Liverpool beat Man City 1-0 on Sunday (16 October), according to Keith Hackett.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Klopp is setting a bad example with his behaviour towards the assistant referee.

As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day 2 programme, the 55-year-old was left fuming after Liverpool were not awarded a free-kick for a challenge by Bernardo Silva on Mohamed Salah.

He ran down the touchline to scream in the ear of the assistant referee closest to the action and him.

The fourth official reported the incident to Anthony Taylor who duly sent Klopp to the stands.

Football Insider reported on Monday (17 October) that the German will only be given a three-match ban if his behaviour is deemed as violent conduct.

Otherwise, he is set to only face an automatic one-match touchline suspension for Wednesday’s clash against West Ham at Anfield.

“What he did was totally and utterly unacceptable,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.

“This guy needs to be punished. He’s articulate and passionate, there’s no question, but he’s got to control just like players have to on the field of play.

“What I think he is failing to recognise is that what he does on a Saturday or a Sunday is then copied at the grassroots level. You get managers and spectators doing the same, managers in particular.

“He’s gone bleating to the assistant referee, into his ear. The outcome has to be a fine and a suspension.”

As quoted by This is Anfield after the game, Klopp admitted he went “over the top” with his actions.

It remains to be seen whether he will be allowed in the dug out during Liverpool’s game with West Ham on Wednesday (19 October).

In other news, Diogo Jota could be “out for three months” in a “devastating” new Liverpool blow.