Jürgen Klopp has rounded on Arsenal following Germany's shock exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, triggered by a controversial disallowed goal. The former Liverpool boss suggested that the decision mirrored how many of Arsenal's Premier League title-winning goals this season would've been ruled out under the same scrutiny.
Paraguay pulled off a stunning upset in Boston during the Round of 32, beating Germany on penalties after the match finished 1-1. Julio Enciso put the underdogs ahead before halftime, but Kai Havertz levelled things in the 54th minute.
Germany looked toothless for large stretches and barely created clear-cut opportunities. They did fashion one crucial chance in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed what looked like the winner past goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
VAR officials intervened and cancelled the goal, ruling that Waldemar Anton had fouled Gill in the buildup. Gill tumbled rather easily in a crowded box, making the call seem questionable.
Klopp wasn't happy. He told Magenta TV that the decision exposed a troubling double standard.
"If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions," he said. "They've scored 60 percent of their goals that way."
The German tactician added: "We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal." His criticism highlighted how inconsistently such contact seems to be penalised across competitions and teams.
