Liverpool manager Arne Slot finds himself under the microscope of the Football Association following his outspoken criticism of Premier League officiating and VAR decisions in the wake of his side’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman’s comments, made during his post-match press conference, are not his first this season, and could lead to an FA investigation, potentially resulting in a ban that would see him miss Liverpool’s crucial home fixture against Chelsea.
Controversial goal fuels Slot’s frustration
The flashpoint came from Benjamin Sesko’s 14th-minute goal for Manchester United, which gave the home side an early lead. Replays suggested the ball may have made contact with Sesko’s hand before crossing the line, but after a VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand, with officials deeming there was no conclusive evidence to disallow it.
Slot was unequivocal in his assessment of the incident. “If it was a touch, which I think it is, because if you know a bit about a ball sport, you know that if a ball has a certain curve and the curve changes, there must have been contact, but it’s always light,” Slot stated, as reported by GiveMeSport. “Then we should have a debate in football, is that then enough to disallow a goal? But I think the rule is if there was a touch it should have been disallowed.”
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His frustration extended beyond the single incident, encompassing what he perceives as a season-long pattern of decisions going against his team. “But I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone this season that if there is a VAR intervention, or if there is something that you could look at or could be left, could be right, then that decision goes against us,” Slot added. “That has been the whole season. Every single time [it’s] the same. If I remember Paris Saint-Germain at home, getting a penalty for a soft touch on [Alexis] Mac Allister, but of course the VAR interferes and says: ‘No, no, this is not a penalty.'”
A pattern of disciplinary concerns
This isn’t Slot’s first run-in with disciplinary action regarding officiating. In early 2025, he was fined £70,000 and received a two-match ban for an expletive-laden exchange with Premier League referee Michael Oliver. The FA’s disciplinary department is tasked with protecting match officials from public criticism, and Slot’s latest remarks are likely to be reviewed.
Liverpool’s season has seen them frequently involved in VAR controversies. According to Football Insider, the club is currently level with Brighton for the most VAR penalties conceded in the Premier League this season, with a total of three.
Former Premier League referee and PGMOL general manager Keith Hackett suggested to Football Insider that the FA would likely act. “I would be surprised if the FA’s disciplinary department don’t review these comments,” Hackett said. “I think he’s being very clever because he’s actually global in his statement rather than individual. The governing body, the FA, has to protect its match officials from these types of comments.”
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The potential investigation adds another layer of pressure for Slot as Liverpool navigates a challenging period, with the manager facing the prospect of watching a crucial fixture from the sidelines.
Sources: www.givemesport.com, www.footballinsider247.com
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