“I can’t believe this referee, he gave two of my players a yellow card for no reason. What was the VAR doing?” – This is according to Arne Slot as he spews hot after two of his players were given yellow card undeservedly.
Arne Slot Spews Fire at Referee and VAR After Liverpool Players Receive “Undeserved” Yellow Cards 😡🔥
Liverpool manager Arne Slot did not hold back in his post-match comments after a highly charged Premier League clash, directing fierce criticism at both the referee and the VAR officials. The Dutchman was visibly frustrated following the final whistle, after two of his players were controversially booked during the match — decisions Slot strongly believes were completely unjustified.
Speaking to reporters, Slot expressed his disbelief at what unfolded on the pitch:
“I can’t believe this referee. He gave two of my players a yellow card for no reason. What was the VAR doing?”
His comments highlighted the growing tension between Premier League managers and refereeing standards this season, with VAR once again under the spotlight for its failure to intervene.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage ⚡️
During a tightly contested match, the referee brandished yellow cards to two Liverpool players in situations that left both the players and coaching staff completely baffled.
- The first yellow card was issued after what appeared to be minimal contact, with the opposition player going down theatrically.
- The second booking came during a routine challenge where Liverpool’s player seemed to clearly win the ball — yet the referee saw it differently.
Both decisions drew heavy protests from Liverpool players on the pitch, but what infuriated Slot even more was the lack of intervention from the VAR booth.
Slot’s Frustration Boils Over 🔥
Arne Slot, usually known for his composure, was visibly upset as he addressed the press.
“It is one thing if a referee makes a mistake on the pitch, but what is the point of VAR if they don’t step in and correct these decisions? We are talking about fairness here. These yellow cards change the flow of the game and affect the mentality of my players.”
Slot went further to question the consistency of refereeing in the Premier League, pointing out that similar fouls from the opposition went unpunished.
Impact on Liverpool’s Performance ⚽
The controversial bookings forced Slot to make tactical adjustments, as both players who were carded had to play with added caution for the rest of the match. This, in Slot’s view, gave the opposition an unfair advantage.
“I had to tell them to calm down and avoid challenges they would normally make. That’s not football — that’s playing scared because of refereeing decisions. And when VAR doesn’t do its job, we are left asking: who is protecting the integrity of the game?”
The Role of VAR Under Scrutiny Once Again 🎥👀
This incident has reignited the ongoing debate about VAR and its effectiveness. The system, introduced to eliminate “clear and obvious” errors, has instead become a magnet for controversy, with managers like Slot openly questioning whether it is being applied consistently.
Fans on social media quickly echoed Slot’s frustrations, with many Liverpool supporters flooding online platforms with replays that seemed to vindicate their manager’s claims.
The Bigger Picture for Liverpool 🔴
Beyond just this match, Slot fears that such refereeing decisions could have a long-term impact on Liverpool’s season. Unnecessary yellow cards not only disrupt games but also accumulate over time, leading to suspensions in crucial fixtures.
“These decisions don’t just affect one game. They affect player availability, their confidence, and ultimately, our results. The Premier League is the best league in the world, but refereeing like this makes it hard to accept.”
What Next? ⏭️
The FA may review Slot’s comments, but it is clear that his outburst reflects a deeper frustration shared across many managers in the league. Calls are growing louder for:
- Improved referee training and accountability.
- Greater transparency in VAR decision-making.
- Clear communication to fans and teams on why certain decisions are upheld.
For Slot and Liverpool, however, the focus shifts back to preparing for their next fixture — albeit with a lingering sense of injustice.
Final Word 📝
Arne Slot’s fiery remarks underline a recurring theme in English football: the trust deficit between managers and referees. His blunt assessment — “What was the VAR doing?” — encapsulates the frustration many feel when technology meant to bring fairness ends up adding more confusion.
Whether or not the FA takes action, one thing is certain: this won’t be the last time refereeing decisions spark controversy in Liverpool’s season.
