Jurgen Klopp is set for a tense encounter as he comes head-to-head with Premier League referee Paul Tierney once more when Liverpool face Tottenham this Sunday.

Liverpool's title hopes have taken a hit in recent weeks following a disappointing run of just one victory in their last five games. A 2-0 defeat to Everton in the Merseyside derby was followed by a 2-2 draw against West Ham over the weekend, leaving them trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points and second-placed Man City by four.

Despite this, Klopp's men will be looking to end the season on a high note when they host Tottenham at Anfield this Sunday, ahead of the German manager's departure at the end of the season. However, the presence of Tierney could cast a shadow over Klopp's penultimate home game, given their past encounters.

Tierney has been appointed as the referee for the game with Scott Ledger and Mat Wilkes as his assistants, Tom Bramall as fourth official and John Brooks on VAR duties. This decision comes despite Tierney having previously clashed with Klopp during two separate Liverpool vs Tottenham fixtures.

Klopp's frustration with referee Tierney has been simmering since a contentious 2-2 draw against Tottenham back in December 2021. The Liverpool manager was visibly irate after Andy Robertson received a red card, while Harry Kane was not dismissed for a similar offence, and Diogo Jota's penalty claims were ignored.

Klopp was booked for his protestations and was caught on camera telling Tierney: "I have no problems with any referees. Only you." Speaking after the match, Klopp said: "Mr Tierney told me he thinks Diogo stops on purpose because he wants the foul. First and foremost if you want to shoot you have to stop because he cannot run and shoot in the same moment. It will always be helpful if people have played football themselves in the past."

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The animosity escalated during a dramatic 4-3 victory over Tottenham in May last year where Klopp's celebration of Jota's last-gasp winner involved a dash down the touchline towards fourth official Brooks. In the aftermath, Klopp made pointed remarks about Tierney in his Sky Sports interview, insinuating that the referee harboured a personal vendetta against him and Liverpool.

"We have our story, our history with Mr Tierney," Klopp told Sky Sports. "I really don't know what this man has with us. I really don't know. He will always say there's nothing – and it's not true, it cannot be. I have to say. It cannot be, I don't understand it. I'm really not sure if it's me because he looks at me... I don't understand it."

The PGMOL, in a rare move, issued a statement to "strongly refute" Klopp's claims. Consequently, the FA punished him with a two-match ban on the sidelines and a £75,000 fine for his remarks.

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