VAR official for Chelsea vs Liverpool was changed after Klopp rant

The VAR official for Liverpool's game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was changed before the game following a Jurgen Klopp rant.

Paul Tierney was due to be in the hotseat at Stockley Park on Sunday afternoon before the Premier League made a late switch, with no official explanation given.

The referee was criticised by Klopp for a string of controversial decisions during Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Tottenham last month.

Diogo Jota was denied a penalty following a clumsy challenge by Emerson Royal and Harry Kane was not dismissed for a poor tackle on Andy Robertson.

"I don't have a problem with referees, only you," Klopp told Tierney at full-time.

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Moments after his confrontation with Tierney, Klopp told reporters: "It is always helpful when you play football yourself.

"When you see the situation back [Jota's penalty appeal], the VAR is there. Why is he stopping? I don't understand.

"The draw is fine. We are not crazy enough to think we cannot draw at Tottenham but these situations are crucial. I have no idea what his [Tierney] problem is with me."

Tierney was instead placed in charge of Leeds' 3-1 victory against Burnley, while Darren England was the VAR official at Stamford Bridge.

Although Liverpool didn't get the rub of the green against Tottenham, they were lucky not to have Sadio Mane sent off in the first minute against Chelsea.

The Senegal international caught Cesar Azpilicueta with his elbow after just 15 seconds of the game but was only booked for the offence.

"I hate to say it because I love Mane and he is a nice guy and top player, but it is a red card," said Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel at full-time.

"The elbow is in the face - it doesn't matter if you do this after 20 seconds or 20 minutes... it is hard to swallow but what can we do?"

Azpilicueta added: "A clear red. I don't mind if it is five seconds into the game it is a red. I don't understand, we have had these kind of decisions the other day.

"It is a clear red card. We are getting these decisions against us and it can change the way of the game.

"We are seeing a few games where referees become a bit softer in terms of penalties and red cards and then it becomes opposite.

"We don't see the same consistency in the same game and same season. I watched the replay but I didn't need this because live I knew it was a red."

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson claimed he was surprised the referee gave a foul when asked about Mane's challenge.

Klopp was unable to give his opinion on the matter after missing the Chelsea game because of a positive Covid test.

"I was disappointed with the yellow card to be honest," said Henderson. "Sadio is always going to try and win it. His eyes are always on the ball, I don't think there was intent there."