Arne Slot Laments VAR Decision: 'Numerous Calls Have Gone Against Us'

Arne Slot expressed little surprise that Liverpool's penalty claim against Paris Saint-Germain was overturned, citing a pattern of adverse decisions against his team 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. Despite a spirited display, the Reds were undone by Ousmane Dembele's late double. A potential turning point came when Alexis Mac Allister's penalty appeal was denied after a VAR review, a decision Tim Sherwood described as 'soft' but a penalty nonetheless. Slot noted, 'It's quite simple: if the referee doesn't give a penalty, VAR won't overturn it. I've seen many soft penalties given due to contact.' Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate also believed it was a clear penalty, suggesting the outcome could have been different if the spot kick had been awarded. However, PSG had also been denied penalties in the first leg, with VAR intervening in their favor. Slot's side has struggled to build on last season's Premier League win, and he faces pressure to secure a top-five finish and Champions League football next season. The manager acknowledged the club is in transition, having sold several players to fund new signings, and expressed optimism about the future if they can recruit well after key players leave in the summer.