Liverpool manager Arne Slot admits that he needs to keep his emotions in check when it comes to refereeing decisions in the Premier League.
The usually mild-mannered Dutchman lost his cool during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham at Anfield, during which Andy Robertson was sent off for fouling Harry Wilson. Referee Tony Harrington deemed the winger to be the last man, even though Raul Jimenez got a shot off while advantage was being played.
The 46-year-old received his third booking of the season later on in the game, meaning he will not be on the sideline for the Reds’ League Cup quarter-final at Southampton on Wednesday evening while he serves a one-game suspension.
“I think in general I am calm, but, I don’t know if it is smart to say this, but there is also a limit for me – let’s put it that way – and then I can get emotional,” Slot said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately that limit is only reached by refereeing decisions, more so than the decision my players make, because they make more good decisions than the referees do. In my opinion. For my team.”
Slot used Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield in October as an example of when officiating can push him over his limits. The hosts were initially awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez collided with Curtis Jones, but the decision was overturned by the Video Assistant Referee.
“The Chelsea game was emotional. We should have had a second penalty but the VAR changed it. This game I think there were a lot of controversial decisions being made.
“So, as I said, the Chelsea game was emotional and maybe I should stay just underneath [the line] than going above. It is what it is.”
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