Liverpool were said to be furious on Monday night after Manchester City accused their manager Jurgen Klopp of ‘borderline xenophobia’ in comments he made about their wealth.
Before Liverpool ended City’s unbeaten start to the season on Sunday, Klopp had claimed: ‘There are three clubs in world football who can do what they want financially.’
The German — who did not suggest illegal financial activity — was assumed to be referring to City, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain, all of whom have owners from the Middle East.
It drew an angry response from the Premier League champions, who believe Klopp inflamed the toxic rivalry between the clubs.