Holt’s blast at Klopp over replay no show
ACCRINGTON Stanley’s outspoken owner has caused a stir after launching a scathing attack on Liverpool and their manager Jurgen Klopp.
Andy Holt slammed Klopp’s announcement that the runaway Premier League leaders will field a weakened team in their FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town, and claimed the attitude of the country’s top clubs towards cup competitions is “killing” those further down the league pyramid.
The Anfield replay is scheduled to be played in the middle of the Premier League’s first-ever winter break, and Klopp insisted neither he nor the first-team squad will be involved with the match.
It means Under-23s boss Neil Critchley will take charge of a youth team against League One outfit Town.
The move angered many in the football community, but none more so than Stanley owner Holt, who suggested the FA should fine Liverpool. Holt, who has been known to air his honest opinions via Twitter, wrote: “He’s a disgrace. I’ll never understand why top clubs and top @ premierleague players don’t stand up and stay united with clubs and players further down the pyramid.
“This is pure selfishness of the highest degree. I’d drag myself out of bed to play the replay. Because it’s the right thing to do.
“We spoke about the @EmiratesFACup and how top @premierleague would rather be playing exhibition matches in China building their profits and brands.
“That’s why @FA were considering significantly increasing the first prizes far more than the earlier rounds proportionately.
“Jurgen @LFC, you’re embarrassing yourself. Your [sic] tarnishing your reputation. Rethink where you go from here. You’re killing @ EmiratesFACup. There’s calls to kill @Carabao_ Cup. You’re killing us.”
Speaking after the draw with Shrewsbury, Klopp explained: “In April 2019 we got a letter from the Premier League, I think, where they asked us to respect the winter break and not to organise international friendlies or competitive games. We respect that. So I said to the boys already two weeks ago that we will have a winter break which means we will not be there. It will be the kids who play that game.
“We will not be there. Does that mean I won’t be there? Yes. Neil Critchley will be in charge.”
Sports journalist and author John Cross tweeted: “Liverpool every right to observe the winter break...but Klopp staying away would be rather silly imo.”