Klopp defends refereeing decision, calls Van Dijk's goal unfair

Jürgen Klopp has made clear that he does not share the criticism of the refereeing decisions during the match between the Netherlands and Germany, and emphasizes that the disallowed goal of Virgil van Dijk was fully legitimate. He also stated that the referee acted correctly and that the discussion around the German goal has no basis.

Klopp rejects criticism

Klopp explained that the German goal, which sparked discussion in the Netherlands, was fully legitimate according to him. He stated that the referee must stop the game, not the players, and that he has no objection to the decision.

The Dutch team would have liked the Germans to play the ball out when Brian Brobbey was injured on the field. The incident left the Dutch side frustrated, but the match continued.

Van Dijk’s early strike ruled out as Germany profit from Brobbey’s injury

Eventually Felix Nmecha scored the only goal, a 0-1 for Germany. “It was certainly not a disgrace,” Klopp later said at the press conference.

Klopp also indicated that he does not agree with Virgil van Dijk’s opinion, who thought his opening scorer should not have been disallowed. “On that decision I think differently than Virgil van Dijk. That is allowed, even though he has been my captain for eight years,” he said.

Netherlands accuse Germany of lacking fair play

He concluded that the match was a wild battle against a very good opponent, with a lot of intensity, commitment and passion. “I am disappointed with the result, but I think the result was justified,” he added.