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Ex-Man United ace ignores Jurgen Klopp advice after Liverpool flashpoint in horror red card

Jurgen Klopp on the touchline.
-Credit:Liverpool FC via Getty Images


Former Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was sent-off for a stamp against Stoke City with Liverpool loanee Lewis Koumas featuring for the Potters. The Tunisian previously came in for criticism from iconic ex-Reds manager Jurgen Klopp after that full-blooded six minute cameo during a 4-0 defeat for the Red Devils some three years ago now.

The 21-year-old was shown a straight red card 18 minutes after his introduction for the Clarets in the goalless draw on Saturday. Koumas, who is on loan from the Reds, was close to that incident, and made his feelings known to the midfielder.

Hannibal hit the headlines following Liverpool's emphatic win over United back in April 2022 when he committed a series of fouls and was booked during his short cameo. Speaking in the aftermath, Klopp said: "I don't blame the kid.

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"He came on late and the game was quick and obviously wanted to make an impression. He was a bit late here and a bit late there, all good.

"Aggression in football is fine, but you can't sort your own problems by hurting the opposition players. That's what I have never understood.

"I have played 325 professional football games, and without aggression and physicality I would have played none. It was my only strength that I had, so I am completely fine with that, but it's about staying respectful, that's all.

"Things can happen in football, as it's a high-speed game... But not these kinds of things where you don't care about the other [player]."

Ex-United captain Gary Neville initially praised the youngster at that time, for the desire and fight shown. However, the Sky Sports pundit was forced to apologise - for his comments on commentary duty.

"It wasn't great him kicking players, but that's something United fans can take at least," said the one-time defender. "There were some lads out there who are good lads, professional, but they're broken.

"That is why I aired on to the slightly unprofessional side of commentary tonight. Then I said that the kid [Mejbri] to be fair I was proud of him because he was going around trying to stop people, trying to kick people."