Liverpool Stars Clash: Slot and Van Dijk Point Fingers After Crushing Man City Loss
Arne Slot has claimed referees show prejudice against Liverpool following the Reds' experience of two controversial calls in Sunday's 2–1 loss to Manchester City.
Observing Marc Guéhi escape a red card for hauling back Mohamed Salah from a scoring chance frustrated Slot, who maintained that situation deserved more discussion than the late drama that resulted in Dominik Szoboszlai's ejection.
"If the regulation states he must issue a red card, then that's what we must accept," Slot informed BBC Sport regarding Szoboszlai's dismissal after the match concluded.
"If there's any situation we should discuss, it ought to be the one where Mo Salah is through one-on-one with the keeper and everyone who has visited this ground over the last seven or eight years understands that is, for Mo Salah, a certain goal.
"But yes, not for the first occasion this campaign, the officials ruled against our interests. They don't need to rule in our favor, incidentally, they simply need to perform their duties. But all the borderline calls, you already understand the outcome if you're the Liverpool boss."
During his post-game media session, Slot mentioned additional borderline decisions that have disadvantaged Liverpool this season as he wondered why the officials adhered so strictly to the regulations to send off Szoboszlai but, in his "upset and exasperated" view, showed leniency with Guéhi's tackle on Salah.
Virgil van Dijk Reluctant to Deflect Blame
Virgil van Dijk Reluctant to Deflect Blame
While Slot's attention after the match centered on apparent unfairness from officials, Virgil van Dijk chose to examine matters more internally.
"We have no control over [the referees]," Van Dijk informed Sky Sports. "[Matheus] Nunes's spot kick, he might have awarded it, he moved so quickly. We can only fault ourselves.
"We must rapidly shift our focus to Sunderland because that will be a difficult one, undefeated at home this campaign. A solid test lies ahead."
Van Dijk continued: "The second period perhaps seemed like an improvement but first half we lacked command and should have performed better. Regrettably, the penalty incident was the crucial moment and that is the truth."
Guéhi Admits Good Fortune Over Salah Foul
Guéhi Admits Good Fortune Over Salah Foul
One defender who did understand Slot's position, though, was Guéhi, who might have easily been competing on the opposite side of Sunday's match had circumstances in the summer transfer period unfolded differently.
When asked directly whether he deserved to be dismissed for his tackle on Salah, Guéhi informed talkSPORT: "Possibly. It might have been, but that's not my decision. That's up to the officials and VAR.
"And if they believed it warranted a yellow card, then it was a yellow card."