Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has criticised Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder for speaking out on the decision to allow fans to return to some grounds in the Premier League.

The Blades played in front of an empty stadium against Leicester, with Yorkshire remaining under tier 3 restrictions, but Liverpool were allowed to have 2000 supporters in attendance for the win over Wolves last night as Merseyside is tier 2.

At his pre-match press conference last week, Wilder questioned the fairness of some clubs having fans, while others could not, and Klopp was not happy with the remarks when he was quizzed on the subject:

“Is having fans back important (for results)? I don’t know. If I say having fans back helps, then Chris Wilder will say that it’s not okay that Liverpool has supporters and Sheffield United does not. He has said it already. If Sheffield United would have supporters and Liverpool would not, then I cannot change that.”

The war of words doesn’t look like it will end any time soon. It’s a strange spat considering both have previously expressed their admiration for one another but they are seemingly looking out for the best interests of their own clubs.

With the defeat to Leicester making it just one point from 11 games played, Wilder will be hoping for fans to return to Bramall Lane as soon as possible to boost their survival chances.