Klopp Voices Frustration Over VAR Calls Despite Liverpool’s Victory

Liverpool’s 2-0 Boxing Night victory against Burnley, propelling them to the top of the Premier League, was marred by Jurgen Klopp’s expressed frustration with two VAR decisions. Despite goals from Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota securing the win, Klopp lamented the annulment of goals from Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott in each half.

Referee Paul Tierney, after consulting the pitch-side monitor, disallowed the goals citing an apparent foul by Nunez and Charlie Taylor and an offside position by Mohamed Salah, who was deemed to interfere with goalkeeper James Trafford’s vision. Klopp acknowledged the difficulty in accepting these decisions, even on a night when Liverpool claimed the league’s summit.

Klopp commented on the match, stating, “The goal for Darwin was as important [as the second]. Cody scored again, Harvey scored an incredible goal, and they just take it away, it’s really, really tough. But we won the game and it’s all fine.”

Despite the frustration with VAR, Klopp expressed satisfaction with Liverpool’s performance in the first half, highlighting the team’s numerous shot attempts. He acknowledged that finishing the game earlier would have been ideal but emphasized the intensity of the period and the importance of securing results.

Addressing the issue of referees and their interpretations, Klopp questioned, “Why do referees create their own view on something? We all watch football and need the referee, but we need them to make the right interpretations of the rules.”

On the return of Diogo Jota, who scored the decisive second goal after a month out, Klopp praised the player while acknowledging missed chances in the past. Klopp highlighted Jota’s importance to the team and noted the impact of having him back on the dynamic of the squad.