Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool are not at fault for the controversy over FA Cup replays, according to John Giles.

Giles, speaking to Thursday night's Off The Ball, discussed the blowback from Klopp's post-match comments from Shrewsbury saying that he and the club's stars would not be turning out at the replay.

Giles, however, believes that fault lies more with the Football Association than with Liverpool or their manager.

"I can understand them having a break. He said that he wasn't being disrespectful to the Cup.

"The FA has a lot to answer for as well when you talk about respect for the Cup.

"In Ferguson's time at Old Trafford, they enticed Manchester United to go and play in a competition in South America and offered to pay for it.

"Manchester United were Cup holders at that time. It has gone on since."

Giles on FA

Giles believes that there is another major factor at play when discussing the FA Cup as a competition.

"There is no money in it. With what has happened, clubs will field weakened teams as Liverpool will in the replay.

"If you are going to win the Cup, there should have been a full team there the other night.

"The fans love the Cup - it is not the fans' fault, it is the FA that started it."

One of the underlying factors in the FA Cup situation is the conflict between the FA and the Premier League for ultimate supremacy.

"Don't forget, the Football Association and the Premier League are in conflict. They are two different associations.

"They won't come to an agreement. A lot of the clubs were looking for no replays in the Cup, and the FA said no - the Premier League don't have a say in that."

Giles on Liverpool manager

Giles also believes that Klopp should be present for the replay, if only to support his younger side and give them more impetus to impress.

"I'm surprised [at the controversy], as Klopp has been very good for the game.

"They are into a replay and he said that he is going to play the young lads - which he's perfectly entitled to do - but he said that he is not going to be there. I think the players are the people that need the break.

"I think if you are playing the young lads, then the young lads would love to have him there.

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