Gary Lineker has praised BT Sport's Des Kelly for challenging Jurgen Klopp during his post-match interview after Liverpool's draw with Brighton.
After an incident-packed game which saw the Reds have two goals disallowed by VAR for offside before Brighton were awarded a controversial last-gasp penalty to equalise, Klopp took aim at the fact his side were scheduled to play in a lunchtime Saturday kick-off.
Klopp has consistently spoken out against Champions League clubs having to play in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off, arguing it does not give enough of a rest period following Wednesday night games.
It led to a heated conversation with Kelly post-match, with Lineker praising his BT Sport colleague.
He tweeted: "Excellent by Des Kelly putting the broadcasting argument to Jurgen Klopp when it's clearly a Premier League issue.
"It’s a tough year for everyone but footballers having to play lots of football matches, risking a muscle strain, is nothing like the sacrifice made by others."
In a further tweet, he added: "I sympathise with Klopp but he's picked the wrong target."
Australian TV executive Ben D'Arcy countered Lineker's opinion by arguing that BT Sport have the choice over which team to air at 12.30 on a Saturday.
He said: "There's nothing wrong with the fixture time per se.
"BT Sport has the choice. They can act responsibly by selecting one of the Tuesday night Champions League teams, given the damage it is having on players and teams."
Lineker replied, arguing that, with the Reds again in Champions League action next week, it is actually beneficial for them to be playing on Saturday rather than Sunday.
He said: "That’s fine to disagree and and I’m sure BT and Sky will bear that in mind but it’s the Premier League that agrees fixtures.
"It’s difficult though as every game is being broadcast and there’s Champions League next week so probably better for them to play on Saturday. Can’t win."
Speaking to Kelly after the 1-1 draw this afternoon, Klopp had said: “I only go for broadcasters with a Wednesday and 12:30pm and seven managers have a similar problem and they all agree. I want to stop doing it because it doesn’t help, but the problem is whoever signs the contract.
*Vote for your Liverpool MOTM after the draw with Brighton here.
"Yes, our shareholders or whatever did that, that’s true. It’s a problem but in this season, it’s a bigger problem because of no pre-season, because of intensity and all this kind of stuff. It’s not okay.
"We’ve had this slot three times, I spoke a lot about it. Look at who else had it three times - nobody. It’s a problem for me to pick a team."
