'Senseless', 'Made him look silly' - Liverpool fans react to stunning Klopp clash with reporter in aftermath of Brighton draw

On the field, a stoppage time penalty from Pascal Gross was enough to cancel out Diogo Jota’s opener and rescue a point for Graham Potter’s men following a VAR review, but in the press area afterwards, things turned fiery when Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp entered into a verbal sparring match with BT Sport reporter Des Kelly.

The German took exception to his side having to play on Wednesday night in the Champions League and then again in Saturday’s early kick-off, implying that the hectic schedule was the fault of the broadcasting company.

Kelly responded by arguing that the frequency of fixtures for Premier League teams competing in Europe was a consequence of top flight clubs agreeing to a contract that spreads league matches so disparately over the course of a weekend.

The exchange lasted for almost nine minutes, and drew plenty of debate on social media, with the vast majority of Liverpool fans seemingly agreeing with their boss’ grievances.

We’ve gathered a selection of the best reactions below:

@LFCHalps tweeted: “Des Kelly completely missed the point of what Klopp was saying. This is a year and a season like no other, where other leagues are making concessions for this season only to help their teams. Here in England we think we're better and won't make the changes needed.”

@LFC_Mike_ tweeted: “Des Kelly vs Jurgen Klopp on the Mike Tyson undercard has to happen.”

@LFCMarlu tweeted: “I obviously agree with Klopp but it’s hardly Des Kelly’s fault is it? He can’t change the schedule”.

@Ameen_LFC tweeted: “What Des Kelly is saying is just senseless the Premier League gave the teams this slot only because of the pressure from the broadcasters. If it was only up to the Premier League I am sure the games would have been played at different time. Klopp's being questioned for speaking absolute facts”.

@LFCTomm_ tweeted: “People saying Des Kelly is sticking up for himself, I think its the other way round. Reporters and journos always look to manipulate managers and players into giving answers that create good headlines. Fair play to Klopp for not giving them that because that’s what they keep trying”.

@2tea2toast tweeted: “Des Kelly was looking to provoke - pathetic attempt. Well done Klopp - made him look silly. Just give the teams an extra day where possible. All 7 teams deserve that, especially as we have no fans in the stadium. I suppose it’s 2020 - common sense got binned last year”.

@Tom_LFC_97 tweeted: “Des Kelly has gone into that with a pre-made response after what happened last week. Klopp never aimed anything at him specifically but he decided to take personal offence by it all and fight back to make bigger news. Unfortunately now the real message has been lost in this”.