Jurgen Klopp Explains Tony Pulis Handshake Snub, Liverpool Post-Match Reaction

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has opened up on his refusal to shake West Brom counterpart Tony Pulis’ hand after Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Anfield.

Divock Origi rescued a point for the Reds in the dying embers of the match, but Klopp still chose to snub his fellow manager, saying the game wasn’t played in a friendly atmosphere—via Tyrone Marshall of the Daily Mirror: “We had some words in the game and sometimes it takes more than a few seconds to cool down. Usually I shake hands. It was not a friendly game.”

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The German was particularly fired up when Craig Gardner’s challenge forced Dejan Lovren off on a stretcher, yet he conceded after the game the West Brom man did, in fact, play the ball before the man: “He played the ball, a millisecond before he hit Dejan. It was like this the whole game, on the edge of everything. But he played the ball.”

It was, indeed, a fiery encounter at Anfield, where the Reds completely dominated proceedings and were caught cold by two soft West Brom goals.

The Liverpool faithful remained in good voice, though, which provoked Klopp to lead his players to the Kop at full time and salute their efforts—via Liverpool Echo:

While the Reds have been the subject of some ridicule for seemingly celebrating a draw against a side they should be beating, Klopp praised the fans for creating a “special atmosphere” in difficult circumstances—per Marshall of the Daily Mirror:

"

Yesterday we spoke about the special atmosphere, and it was a special atmosphere.

They play long balls all the time, they just want set plays all the time, free kicks, whatever.

So it was really hard. Maybe the crowd was disappointed but the thing was they didn't let us feel it.

It felt like three points, I know it's only one. This moment it was like an explosion. It was the best atmosphere since I've been here, I really enjoyed it.

At the end I just wanted to say thank you, I don't know if this is normal in England or things like this.

"

Whether it’s normal or not, it was a nice touch by the German, and the Daily Mirror’s Jim Boardman was one of many praising the salute:

Still, Sunday’s draw meant the Reds have now gone three games without victory in all competitions and squandered a chance to go level on points with Tottenham in fifth.

A tricky-looking trip to Vicarage Road to face in-form Watford awaits Klopp on Sunday, when the manager will be looking to reward his fans once again, yet this time with three points.