Slot Criticizes VAR Decision: 'Numerous Calls Have Gone Against Us'

Arne Slot expressed no surprise at the VAR overturning Liverpool's penalty against Paris Saint-Germain, stating that his team has been on the wrong end of numerous decisions this season. Liverpool's Champions League campaign ended with a 2-0 quarter-final defeat to PSG at Anfield, resulting in a 4-0 aggregate loss. The Reds delivered a spirited performance, unsettling the European champions until Ousmane Dembele scored twice late in the game. One notable moment came when Alexis Mac Allister believed he had won a penalty at 0-0, but it was revoked by the referee after a VAR review. Tim Sherwood, commenting on the game, felt it was a penalty, saying, 'It's soft, but in my opinion, it is a penalty.' Slot shared his thoughts, saying, 'I'm not surprised, as so many decisions have gone against us this season. If the referee doesn't give a penalty, the VAR wouldn't have overturned it, but I've seen many soft penalties given because there's contact.' Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate also weighed in, stating, 'For me, it was a clear penalty. I was behind the referee. If we got the penalty and scored, it would have been completely different.' The controversy surrounding VAR decisions has been a recurring theme for Liverpool, with PSG also experiencing unfortunate overturns in the first leg. In the post-match press conference, Vinny O'Connor expressed surprise at the penalty decision being overturned due to contact, to which Slot replied, 'Me too, but not when it comes to us, because this has happened multiple times this season.' Slot drew comparisons to Manchester City's experiences with referees, highlighting the perceived inconsistencies. With Liverpool struggling to build on their Premier League-winning season under Slot, the pressure is mounting. The team has failed to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League, which is necessary for Champions League qualification next season. Slot acknowledged the club's transition, stating, 'The club has sold 8-10 players to make money to sign five very talented players. We have to sell to buy. We're losing some players on a free transfer, like Mo Salah and Andy Robertson.' Despite the challenges, Slot remains optimistic about the club's future, citing the success of their model and the potential for signing new players after key departures.