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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Premier League make major John Brooks Liverpool decision following Jurgen Klopp apology

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be in the stands for their final home match of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday through suspension with John Brooks, one of the officials at the centre of the controversy, set to officiate the clash.

This week, Klopp was fined £75,000 and banished from the touchline for two games - one suspended - following comments made after the 4-3 Premier League win over Spurs.

Diogo Jota's last-gasp winner secured the points for the Reds after Ryan Mason's side clawed back to level-pegging despite being three goals down. The Portuguese international's goal sparked wild celebrations which saw Klopp celebrate in the face of Brooks.

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It has since been revealed that the incident prompted referee Paul Tierney to caution Klopp which resulted in his post-match comments and subsequent ban.

The 55-year-old admitted prior to the midweek win over Fulham that he would consider an apology to the 33-year-old official. He said: "We don't have numbers and stuff like this from referees. I didn't think about this yet but I can do that easily, that's not a problem.

"I said it was my fault, but just didn't think it was that bad. But it's how we all know - in your own mind, things are something different to what the outside world sees. I will consider that [apologising to the official] definitely."

As part of the findings from the investigation into the German manager's conduct last month, Klopp's letter was published where he apologises to Brooks and Tierney.

This weekend, Liverpool are looking to make it eight straight wins as they look to keep the pressure on the top four race going into the final day of the season.

Pep Lijnders will be in the dugout for the Reds with Brooks in the middle as they take on Unai Emery's Aston Villa. The former Arsenal boss has transformed the fortunes of the Villa Park side following the dismissal of Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard in October.

They now find themselves in the European conversation with an eye on the Europa League and the Europa Conference League. As it stands, they are level on points with the North London club but sit outside on goal difference.

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