Behind Liverpool and Manchester United’s Penalty Controversy

DBasia.news – Jurgen Klopp claim that Manchester United have been awarded penalties more often than Liverpool since he served as manager five years ago. Behind the accusation, there were facts that were revealed.

Klopp made the controversial statement after Liverpool lost 0-1 when they visited Southampton’s headquarters in the 2020-2021 Premier League, Tuesday (5/1) am. This defeat has indeed made the Reds’ position at the top of the standings threatened to be overthrown by Manchester United.

He felt that Liverpool deserved a penalty in the match against Southampton. There are at least two incidents that make Liverpool entitled to obtain it, namely when the opposing player did a handball when blocking Georginio Wijnaldum’s kick and a fouled Sadio Mane.

But the referee issued a decision that was detrimental to Liverpool. Even though the court has been assisted by VAR.

“I heard that Manchester United have received more penalties in the last two years than we (Liverpool) have for five years and a half. I don’t understand and I can’t do much,” Klopp said after the match.

Klopp’s comments seemed to be pointless against Manchester United. However, it is not mere nonsense.

Klopp’s accusations turned out to be not all true. But it’s also not wrong.

Since being appointed to handle Liverpool in October 2015, Klopp’s team have been awarded 30 penalties in the Premier League event. This amount is more than what Manchester United has earned over the past two years, namely 27 penalties.

From these facts, it can be seen that Klopp’s accusations have not been proven. However, if calculated on an average per match, the former Borussia Dortmund coach also has a point.

Liverpool have received 30 penalties from 199 games. So, they averaged one achievement from seven matches.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s 27 penalties were won from 75 matches. This means that Paul Pogba and his team mates achieved it from three matches.

What is clear, Klopp’s statement adds to the spice of competition between the two teams towards the championship ladder. Moreover, Liverpool and Manchester United will meet on January 17.