Liverpool's 'disgrace'

But one lower league club have waded into the controversy, labelling the European champions "a disgrace".

Last night's draw for the fifth round saw Manchester City drawn away to Sheffield Wednesday.

Manchester United will play either Northampton or Derby County, the potential for Rams man Wayne Rooney to face his former club, and Chelsea will be at home to Liverpool, if the Reds can beat Shrewsbury Town in a replay.

But it's that replay which has caused controversy, with Klopp angry that a replay has been fixed for a winter break in the Premier League.

Klopp says neither he nor his senior players will be involved, the Reds fielding a second string managed by their U23 team boss.

That sparked a response from the FA who claimed that clubs were made aware of possible replays. Accrington owner Andy Holt said Klopp was "a disgrace... this is pure selfishness of the highest degree".

But it's understood that the Anfield club's owners have told Klopp they will back his stance and fight any action by the FA.

Star man Georginio Wijnaldum also supported Klopp: "If the manager decides that the younger players are going to play the game then we should accept it."