Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has posted an amusing riposte to Jurgen Klopp after the Liverpool manager called for the Premier League game between the sides to be replayed.
Klopp's side were beaten 2-1 in north London, but the scoreline barely begins to tell the story of a controversial clash. The Reds finished with nine mean after two red cards, and their sense of injustice has since been heightened after it emerged Luis Diaz had a first half goal wrongly ruled out by VAR.
Despite receiving an apology from the PGMOL, Liverpool have since released a statement insisting they were still "exploring options." And now the German boss has further added fuel to the fire in his press conference ahead of a Europa League tie with Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday night.
“The only outcome should be a replay," he said. "Probably won’t happen. The argument against that will be if we open that gate everyone will ask for it. I think the situation is unprecedented. I’m 56 years old and I’m absolutely used to wrong decisions. But something like that as far as I can remember has never happened. That’s why it should be a replay."
Klopp proceeded to double down on his views, arguing that what followed the disallowed goal was also significant, adding: " What makes this specific game so special is that we concede two minutes after and how all things depend on each other, if we had scored we would have started the game in the centre. It would have been different."
Premier League odds and betting tipsThe suggestion of a replay has been greeted with ironic retorts from Tottenham fans, still irked by the manner of their 2019 Champions League final against the Reds in Madrid. Liverpool prevailed 2-0, but earned a controversial penalty just 24 seconds in when Moussa Sissoko was dubiously adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.
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Sure enough, @thespursweb account posted on social media: "If the Liverpool match gets replayed it'll set a huge precedent. See you in Madrid, Jurgen!" Vertonghen, who played in that clash, reposted the comment with the words: "Count me in."
The Belgian defender, who is now with Anderlecht, riled some Liverpool fans with his comments and then followed up his initial post with a fishing emoji, suggesting many had fallen for his bait.
Jamie Carragher also replied to the same Spurs fan account and suggested a replay would be a good idea, posting: "Get the replay on! Same team and officials, the drama would be incredible." He did poke fun at calls for a rematch for the 2019 showpiece, adding: "Spurs don't win Champions League finals!"
Never before has a Premier League clash been declared null and void retrospectively because of a refereeing decision. Liverpool are yet to formally apply for a replay, with Klopp confirming discussions were still taking place.