Jurgen Klopp reacts to penalty decision against Liverpool

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Jurgen Klopp has told BT Sport (broadcast on 19/10; 22:26) that he thought that the officials made the right call not to award a penalty against Liverpool in their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid – but admitted that he did not expect the decision to be overturned once given.

The Reds played out an incredible game with Atleti in the Spanish capital. Ultimately, Klopp’s side won 3-2 and now have one foot in the knockout stages. They are five points clear of second place in their group.

But the scoreline does not do full justice to the events that went on. Liverpool were 2-0 up inside 13 minutes. But the game was level by half-time.

Antoine Griezmann was then sent off for a high boot.

The Reds were handed a golden opportunity to go back in front when Diogo Jota was bundled over inside the box. Mohamed Salah made no mistake from 12 yards.

And yet, it seemed that Atletico were on the verge of equalising once again. Jota was penalised after Jose Maria Gimenez went down inside the Liverpool box.

The referee immediately pointed to the spot. And given there was a little contact, it always appeared unlikely that it would be overturned.

‘It’s the right decision’: Jurgen Klopp reacts after referee reverses penalty decision against Liverpool

However, the official was sent to the monitor. And after watching the replay, he decided to change his mind.

It would have come as a surprise to many that it was overturned. And it seems that Klopp was amongst those not expecting the decision to be changed.

“I think the other one is not a penalty,” he told BT Sport. “But, I didn’t see it very often when he whistled for it and took it back in that situation. So I didn’t expect that, but I think it’s the right decision.”