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

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed his frustration with the VAR decision to overturn a penalty call in their Champions League quarter-final match against Paris Saint-Germain, stating that his team has been on the receiving end of many unfavorable decisions this season. The Reds' European campaign came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at Anfield, resulting in a 4-0 aggregate loss to the European champions. Despite a spirited performance, Liverpool were unable to capitalize on their chances, including a penalty claim that was denied after a VAR review. Slot stated, 'I'm not surprised, as we've had numerous decisions go against us this season.' He also pointed out the inconsistency in VAR decisions, saying, '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 shared a similar sentiment, saying, 'For me, it was a clear penalty. If we had scored, the outcome would have been completely different.' The match also saw PSG denied at least one penalty in the first leg, with VAR overturning the referee's decision to penalize Konate for a foul, and opting not to punish him for a push on Nuno Mendes. In the post-match press conference, Slot expressed his disappointment with the penalty decision, saying, 'I think it was a penalty, but it's not surprising given the number of decisions that have gone against us this season.' Slot also addressed the pressure he's under to keep his job, citing the club's transition and the need to sell players to sign new talent. He stated, 'The club has shown that this model works, and the future looks promising, especially if we can sign good players after some key players leave this summer.'