Klopp hits back at Mason after furious Jota "instant red card" complaint

30 April 2023 , 19:06

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Ryan Mason was absolutely furious that Diogo Jota was not sent off for this challenge on Oliver Skipp (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has hit back at Ryan Mason following his complaints that Diogo Jota should have been sent off before scoring a late winner for Liverpool as they beat Tottenham at Anfield.

Jota scored in the 94th minute to secure a 4-3 victory for Liverpool, but Mason was absolutely furious that he had not been sent off for a challenge on Oliver Skipp that left the midfielder with a cut above his eye.

"I'd like an explanation why it wasn't a red card," Mason fumed in his post-match press conference. "It was an instant red card. When you show studs, draw blood and create a gash, it ticks all the boxes. Listen, it's decided the game because that player shouldn't have been on the pitch."

However, when Mason's comments were put to Klopp, the Liverpool boss took a dig at Spurs' style of play as he questioned why they don't "play better football", before claiming that Skipp should have been sent off himself before the incident with Jota because of a challenge he made on Luis Diaz.

"Ryan has to worry about other stuff," Klopp told BBC Match of the Day when asked if Jota should have been sent off. "They're such a good football team, Tottenham, they have to play better football.

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"They can't just counter-attack, they have to play better football with that team. Diogo Jota has the foot high but he's not going for the head.

Jurgen Klopp hit back at Mason, criticising the way he set up his team (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

"I heard Oliver Skipp could've had a red card. Did he speak about that as well? Wanting Diogo Jota off the pitch, worry about other stuff."

Jota was also quizzed about the incident and told the BBC: "It's not a great tackle. I also touched the ball. I also think he gets his head down.

"It's just brave of him. Unfortunately, it's a foot in the face. I saw the ref could see I didn't mean it and it's just football."

Matthew Cooper