Liverpool FC hit with FA charge over 'improper' conduct vs Man City

Liverpool has been charged by the FA after they surrounded referee Simon Hooper during their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The moment in question saw several Reds players confront Hooper after Rodri fouled Cody Gakpo in the Liverpool half. City's Spanish defensive midfielder was on a booking at the time but, despite protests from the visitors, the referee decided against awarding a second yellow card.

On Thursday, the FA released a statement reprimanding the Merseyside club. This read: "Liverpool FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during the 34th minute of their Premier League game against Manchester City FC on Saturday, April 1.

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"It is alleged that Liverpool FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or do not behave in a way which is improper, and the club has until Wednesday, April 12 to respond."

The FA charge compounds what was a nightmare trip to Manchester for Jurgen Klopp's side. Despite taking the lead through Mohamed Salah, Liverpool were comfortably second best as City swept them aside. Julian Alvarez equalised for the Blues before the break and Pep Guardiola's team would turn on the charm immediately after the interval.

Within ten minutes of the restart both Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan had scored to create breathing room between the two teams. In the 74th minute, Jack Grealish capped an excellent individual performance as City continued their race for the Premier League title.

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