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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Caoimhe O'Neill

Referee Kevin Friend's history with Jurgen Klopp - what it means for clash between Huddersfield and Liverpool

Kevin Friend has been appointed to officiate Liverpool's clash with Huddersfield Town at Anfield on Friday.

The Premier League referee has taken charge of three games involving the Reds this season.

Most notably the 47-year-old was the man in the middle as Liverpool were held by West Ham in February.

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Following the 1-1 draw at the London Stadium, Jurgen Klopp claimed Mr Friend was influenced by Sadio Mane's opening goal, as James Milner was clearly offside in the build-up.

Speaking to the BBC, Klopp said: "I heard our goal was offside, I’m pretty sure the ref knew that.

"In 50-50 situations it was always a free-kick for the other team, which was hard and did not make life easy."

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In a separate interview, with Sky Sports, the German coach told: "As a human being, if I know I have made a big mistake in the first half, I don't want to open the gap any more.

"Referees are obviously human beings, and I understand that, but I didn't during the game because I had no clue that our goal was offside."

The Liverpool boss was later charged £45,000 by the Football Association for the statements which were deemed to have questioned the referee's integrity.

Jurgen Klopp speaks to referee Kevin Friend and assistants Matthew Wilkes and Simon Beck following the the match between West Ham United and Liverpool (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Friend had previously oversaw proceedings as the Reds bowed out of the League Cup to Chelsea in September, and their 1-0 league win at Brighton in January.

There is however, a good omen for Liverpool fans to draw from.

Last season it was the Leicester-based ref who took charge of both games against Liverpool receive surprise support in title battle with Man City as Premier League allegiances revealed

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Klopp's side enjoyed a professional win of 3-0 on both occasions.

Liverpool supporters will be hoping for a repeat of that comfortable scoreline as they go in search of their first Premier League title.

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