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Premier League

Klopp says VAR could get a boss sacked as Firminos ARMPIT ruled offside in controversial decision

JURGEN KLOPP feels VAR could get managers sacked.

His players earned a last-gasp win at Villa Park thanks to goals from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane but they were denied a first-half strike from Roberto Firmino because the video replays ruled his ARMPIT was ahead of the last defender.

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino thought there was no arm in his run – but his armpit was ruled offside

That was the official Premier League explanation and Klopp insists these calls are no laughing matter.

The Liverpool boss said: When we talk about serious moments, very important moments in football, its not right to sit here and everyone wants to laugh about it.

It is not to laugh about. It is too serious. Managers get sacked for losing football games.

They just have to clarify it. I am not saying anyone is doing it on purpose.

Klopp also reckons his side could have had a penalty from a Matt Targett block but the ball stayed in play and it did not appear to get reviewed.

Klopp said: We need to sort a few things obviously. Nobody talks about the Targett handball situation as it was not whistled. Was it a penalty?

The shot hit the arm and in the good old times it was a penalty.

It sometimes goes for you that is not the problem, we just have to make sure the new system helps the game and does not confuse it.

At the time of Firminos disallowed strike, Villa were ahead thanks to Trezeguet who finished from John McGinns ball in on 21 minutes.

Klopp also saw Mane booked for diving before the break when he went over Frederic Guilberts challenge.

The Reds chief said: He got the yellow card and when you see it back it was not diving, there was contact but it is a decision we have to accept it.

Despite the comeback, Klopp was not happy with this teams first-half performance.

He said: I didnt like the body language. We made it difficult for ourselves.

We started playing football well but not exactly how we should Aston Villa were ready for a proper fight, a battle and to defend with all you have.

They tried to make space for counter-attacks, they had good set-pieces. We were playful, which looked good but I didnt like it. It was good football but you have to finish it off.

Klopp insists these calls are no laughing matter

Klopp got his subs right with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Divock Origi coming on to change the teams shape.

He said: In the second half we started more aggressive, our counter-press was better and we could shoot from distance, which Oxlade helps with.

Oxlade on the left space meant space for Robbo.

It is lucky when you score these goals but if one team deserved to win it, it was us.

I can imagine how bad Villa feel as with their hard work they deserved something.

Villa boss Dean Smith admitted he thought Firminos goal was onside.

He said: I thought it was a goal. But weve had gnats-hair goals go against us too and it is factual so you cant moan.

I was very pleased with the performance but you have to go 96 or 97 minutes with your concentration against top teams.

Ive told the players I want them to feel hurt and take that into the next game.