Klopp receives backing as managers' behaviour comes under spotlight

LONDONL Juergen Klopp and Pep Guardiola's angry touchline rants during Sunday's stormy Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City have put the behaviour of managers in the spotlight ahead of a midweek round of fixtures.

In a game beamed to hundreds of millions around the world, Liverpool's Klopp was shown a red card for angrily berating match officials in the second half after a foul was not given on Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah.

Guardiola, whose side lost 1-0, was equally furious when a goal by Phil Foden was ruled out for a foul following a VAR check, yelling at referee Anthony Taylor.

The antics of both managers attracted criticism from Ref Support UK, a leading charity which offers support to referees in grassroots football where abuse is common.

"When you see world recognised figures like Juergen Klopp and Pep Guardiola behaving like that, it is then replicated by people in youth football and perpetuates the idea that it is OK to do it," Ref Support UK CEO Martin Cassidy said.

Klopp apologised after the game, saying he deserved his red card, and on Tuesday the Football Association charged him with improper conduct, saying he had until Friday to respond.

He did receive backing from fellow managers though with West Ham United's David Moyes saying he hopes the German would be on the touchline on Wednesday when his side travel to Anfield for a Premier League fixture.

"For 90 minutes or so, it becomes a really emotional game. Sometimes, you can change your character from what your true character is. If you look at the incident, he was probably right," Moyes told reporters on Tuesday.

"I hope Jurgen is in the dugout. We want to play against the best. We have great respect for referees but I hope they understand