Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler has revealed that Jurgen Klopp referred to referee Mike Dean as “Father Christmas” during Sunday’s Merseyside derby.
Liverpool travelled to Everton on Sunday evening as they restarted their Premier League campaign.
And although the point the Reds picked up at Goodison Park moved them one step closer to the Premier League title, the game will not go down as a classic.
If anything, it was Dean who caught the eye before kick-off, with the Tranmere Rovers fan, who is often criticised for his unorthodox officiating style, having grown a beard during lockdown.
And during tonight’s game between Crystal Palace, Tyler revealed during commentary with Jamie Carragher that he heard Klopp called Dean “Father Christmas” at the weekend.
“Can’t see under that mask if Mike Dean has shaved his beard off,” he said during Sky Sports’ live coverage.
“He took charge of the Merseyside derby and Jurgen Klopp, I’m told, called him Father Christmas.”
Dean is proud of his quirky ways, saying on Peter Crouch's podcast earlier this year: “I do come across like a showman.
“If the ball comes towards me I will let it go through my legs, I love a stepover.
“I love what I do and the way I referee. It kind of comes out that I enjoy what I do. I've had this the past 10 years.”
