Liverpool boss Arne Slot criticizes the referee over Daniel Munoz’s controversial goal for Crystal Palace, with Liverpool furious over the decision in the 3-1 clash
17:43, 25 Apr 2026Updated 17:55, 25 Apr 2026
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, speaks with Referee, Andy Madley during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on April 25, 2026 in Liverpool, England
Arne Slot was clearly angry with Crystal Palace's goal against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot did not hold back in his assessment of the officiating after Liverpool clash with Crystal Palace F.C., as he criticized the referee over the controversial goal scored by Daniel Munoz that sparked frustration from the home side.
Freddie Woodman remained on the ground after appearing to catch his studs in the turf while denying Ismaila Sarr. With the goalkeeper stranded, Daniel Munoz fired into an empty net from distance, prompting furious protests from Liverpool. Slot confronted Oliver Glasner and the officials, arguing that play should have been stopped with Woodman down injured.
Speaking to BBC's Match of the Day after the game, Slot said: "It was a lot more nervy because of the goal. I don't think we deserved to concede it in that fashion. Palace were much more in the game than the 2-0 showed. Is there a game we play where there isn't talk point about the referee?" Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah suffered an injury blow during the second half.
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On Munoz's goal, the Dutchman added: "The number of times I've played against a team and then a player is on the floor and the referee blows the whistle. It happened against Man Utd when Mac Allister was on the floor, they played on and Macca needed five stitches afterwards. I don't blame them, by the way, the referee should stop the game.
"It's going to become a tactic to pretend you're injured so the referee stops the play. He did it about four times today. Munoz, I think it's 50-50 because some players wouldn't have taken the shot. Some players would stop and some would score. I don't blame him as much as I blame the referee."
Speaking after the match, Glasner acknowledged the controversy but defended the decision to allow play to continue, describing it as a difficult situation. "It was a difficult situation because he made a big save but the ball goes to Munoz" Glasner told Sky Sports. "Everything goes so quickly. He could continue the game until the end and that's why we think it was the right decision. I think that is was OK.
"When you watch it on TV. It's on the edge, to be honest. He makes the save, then tries to get up then he raises his arm but Munoz is already taking the finish. If he hits his head then the game has to be stopped. It was the right decision I think."
Liverpool's English goalkeeper #28 Freddie Woodman receives medical treatment during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 25, 2026
Freddie Woodman stayed down as Crystal Palace scored against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Although Woodman appeared to be struggling with a knee issue, he was able to continue after receiving treatment, with Liverpool already relying on their third-choice goalkeeper due to injuries to Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
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Supporters were visibly frustrated with Palace playing on, voicing their anger with loud boos after the goal was confirmed. Tensions escalated further moments later when an object was thrown from the crowd toward Munoz as he prepared to take a throw-in.
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Liverpool fourth with a 3-1 win over Palace First-half goals from Alexander Isak—his first home league strike—and Andy Robertson put the hosts in control.
Florian Wirtz sealed the victory late on, moving Liverpool eight points clear in the race for a top-five finish.