Klopp praises 'brilliant performance' of match officials in historic UEFA Super Cup Final

Liverpool secured the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul after a first-ever all-English final saw them beat Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out.

After the match finished 2-2 following extra-time, the Reds prevailed in a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp becoming the first German coach to lift the trophy.

History was also made with the all-female officiating team in control of the final, which played in the Besiktas Park.

Stephanie Frappart was the match day referee and once again she officiated with assistants Manuela Nicolosi and Ireland’s Michelle O'Neill.

This same refereeing team had taken charge of last month’s World Cup Final, which saw the United States beat the Netherlands thanks to goals from Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle.

As has become the norm VAR played its part in the game, confirming a number of correct offside decisions. When Frapport awarded a penalty to Chelsea for Adrián’s challenge on Abraham in extra-time the VAR officials, led by Clement Turpin, backed that decision.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Klopp praised the match officials on such an historic night even if he thought the decision to award Chelsea a penalty was harsh.

“They had a brilliant game,” said Klopp, “but I told her [Frappart] as well that I wasn’t happy with the penalty decision because I’m still not sure that it was a penalty. But, it’s not important anymore.”

Frappart will be officiating in the French Ligue 1 this season with O’Neill returning to run the line in the League of Ireland on Friday at the RSC where Waterford welcome Cork City.

“I thought they were really good, I have to say. I think whatever you may have thought before the game, there was pressure on them as (it was) an historic moment.

“Keeping your wits, staying calm, do what you have to do, decide very important things in a difficult and intense game.

“I couldn’t have more respect for them to be honest, it was really a brilliant performance.”

Well done to Michelle O'Neill who was part of the officiating team in Istanbul.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/ALigx9A3hq

— Extratime.ie (@ExtratimeNews) August 14, 2019