Jurgen Klopp fumes at Premier League with ‘obvious concerns’ on Newcastle’s takeover

GMB: Richard Madeley clashes with guest over Newcastle takeover

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has spoken out against the Premier League on the “human right issues” surrounding the Saudi-led takeover at Newcastle. The Reds return to action on Saturday with an early kick-off against Watford.

But press conferences on Thursday and Friday were dominated with questions towards managers from every club on Newcastle’s takeover.

The Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) have bought an 80 per cent share in Newcastle with the other 20 being split between Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners and British businessmen the Reuben brothers.

Premier League clubs called for an emergency meeting last week following the speed in which the takeover was completed.

Concerns were raised that PIF’s takeover at Newcastle could damage the Premier League’s brand with human rights groups also fiercely criticising the move.

JUST IN: Rodgers responds to rumours he could replace Bruce as Newcastle boss

Amnesty International have called Saudi Arabia’s human rights record “atrocious” and Liverpool boss Klopp has been the latest to speak out.

Saudi Arabia’s government have denied all allegations of human rights abuses.

The German head coach took particular umbrage at Premier League chief Richard Masters for his lack of communication.

“I was waiting for some official statement about it from Richard Masters or somebody else, because we all know there are obviously concerns about human rights issues,” Klopp said.

DON’T MISS

“I think that’s all clear that we all think the same there.

“As far as I know it is the third club to be owned by a country.

“I am not sure how many countries are out there to have the financial power and interest to do so.”

Klopp’s frustrations didn’t stop there though as he also hit out at the Premier League for not moving Liverpool’s kick-off time against Watford.

Fabinho and Alisson have both been sent to Spain following international duty with Brazil as they wouldn’t have been back in time to feature in the 12.30pm kick off on Saturday.

“We ask only for a few hours that would have made it a little bit more likely they could have played but bringing them in for 12.30pm, there’s no chance for them,” Klopp said.

“If we had played 7pm then we would have probably tried it but neither Watford or the Premier League was open to that kind of thing – their understanding of fair competition.”

The Brazilian pair aren’t the only players missing for Liverpool against Watford though with Thiago Alcantara and Curtis Jones also unavailable.

Source: Read Full Article