Jurgen Klopp has been called "a disgrace" by Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt over his pledge not to field Liverpool's first team in their FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town.
Klopp has been an outspoken critic of fixture pile-up over the last few seasons and has long called for a winter break for the Premier League.
In a series of tweets, however, Stanley owner Holt strongly criticised the 52-year-old’s stance, launching an expletive-filled tirade against the Champions League-winning manager.
"He's a disgrace," Holt said. "I'll never understand why top clubs and top Premier League players don't stand up and stay united with clubs and players further down the pyramid. This is pure selfishness of the highest degree.
"I'd drag myself out of bed to play the replay. Because it's the right thing to do. I wouldn't give a sh*t how tired I was. I'd do the right thing. I'd give a bit back instead of being a grasping, selfish type.
"We spoke about the FA Cup and how top Premier League [clubs] would rather be playing exhibition matches in China building their profits and brands. That's why the FA were considering significantly increasing the first prizes far more than the earlier rounds proportionately.
"We have only just given up 5th round replays. They're back for 4th round replays. They join in the 3rd [round].
"Jurgen, @LFC, you're embarrassing yourself. You're tarnishing your reputation. Rethink where you go from here. You're killing the FA Cup. There's calls to kill the Carabao Cup. You're killing us."
For lower-league sides like Shrewsbury and Accrington, the domestic cup competitions represent a vital source of income in terms of prize money, gate receipts and matchday earnings. Holt also stated that it was "unfair" on Shrewsbury's players and fans.
"The FA are bending over backwards for the Premier League," he went on. "It is their fault. They should know: 'Give them an inch and they'll take a mile'.
"The bigger issue is @LFC undermining the success enjoyed by @shrewsweb who DESERVE their day in the sun and a proper pay day."
kayapeople
294
Mr Stanley or whatever they called your stupid name. I will advice you to shut up. You can be calling someone a disgrace, why he is succeeding weeks after another .you can say what you like, but you won't change the state he is the best coach in the world
Amponsahthompson
234
These pile up fixtures which impede the performance of the English clubs in European competition that is why Spanish clubs always flourish in those competition they should give them a little rest.
Jaebdops
200
If he thinks his under 23 team is good enough then they will deliver so you don't have to tell him who he has to play.
Zusbikmns
187
Klopp is the boss at liverpool and what he said is final no matter how these people chat off their mouth it will no change the world boss...FA cup need to change their rules klopp will not pressure his players to please these people
Spiedy
186
Klopp doesn't hide his feelings and dare to lead by example of what he meant. Imagine you work 5 days weeks n everyday your company asked u to worked overtime; working 14hours a day for the past 6 months (rest only on weekends, work even during holidays), would you be energised?