Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that people around him expected him to be punished more severely than the two-game touchline ban he was given for criticising the referee following his team’s dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month.
Klopp will miss two games, starting with Saturday’s encounter against Aston Villa, and fined £75,000 for accusing referee Paul Tierney of having something “against” Liverpool.
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“I expected a punishment. It is okay; I would like to know where the money goes. If it is a good cause, I’m happy to pay it; if the FA keeps it, we’ll have to talk again,” Klopp told reporters ahead of Liverpool’s home game against Villa.
“People thought it would be longer. I can watch the game from a better position and I will be in contact with my coaches.”
Liverpool are fifth in the standings with 65 points, one behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
