Arne Slot expressed dissatisfaction with the referee after the draw against Leeds

In the post-match interview following the 19th round Premier League 2025/26 game against Leeds United, Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot subtly conveyed his frustration with the league referees, suggesting that Liverpool players are often harshly penalized in situations leading to penalties.

Hosting Leeds United at Anfield in the 19th round of the 2025/26 Premier League, Liverpool entered the match with high spirits after four consecutive wins across all competitions. Arne Slot’s squad dominated the game, maintaining superior possession and continuously pressuring the opponent’s goal.

However, facing a disciplined Leeds team that defended deep and in numbers, Liverpool was unable to break through and score. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, ending The Kops’ winning streak and causing them to miss the chance to surge ahead in the league standings.

The most notable moment of the match came from a controversial refereeing decision. In the 14th minute, striker Hugo Ekitike made a run into Leeds’ penalty area following a precise pass. During the challenge, defender Jaka Bijol made direct contact, clearly impeding Ekitike’s momentum. The Liverpool forward appeared to lose balance but tried to stay on his feet despite the difficult situation.

Immediately, the home players appealed for a penalty, but the referee ultimately decided against awarding one, judging that Bijol’s contact was not strong enough and that Ekitike was still standing firm.

This decision quickly sparked debate, not only among the crowd at Anfield but also among experts after the game. When asked whether Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty, head coach Arne Slot candidly stated:

“No, because he was still standing. If Ekitike had fallen, then it probably would have been a penalty. But I understand why he didn’t fall, because this season we have repeatedly been fouled inside the penalty box without getting a penalty. Maybe that’s why our players think, ‘We’ll just try to stay on our feet.’

Meanwhile, we have conceded penalties in situations with minimal contact, like in the away games against Brentford or Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. I could go on about the light penalties we have been given this season.

Yet when the opponents foul us, such as the incident involving Cody Gakpo against Brentford, the referee lets play continue. Perhaps that’s why our players try every way not to fall. And when they stay standing like that, it’s very hard for VAR or the referee to intervene or award a penalty.”

These remarks clearly reveal Arne Slot’s dissatisfaction with how referees handle sensitive situations inside the penalty area involving Liverpool. Although he did not directly criticize the match official, the Dutch coach emphasized the sense of “injustice” when his team frequently misses out on penalties despite clear contact, while conceding relatively soft penalties in the opposite direction. This partly explains why Liverpool players tend to stay on their feet rather than fall, which inadvertently makes it difficult for VAR to intervene.

After the disappointing draw against Leeds, Liverpool will have little time to dwell on it. In the 20th round of the Premier League, The Kops must travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.

This is expected to be a tough challenge, as Fulham has shown consistency with a four-match unbeaten streak in the league. With the competition on the table intensifying, Liverpool must quickly regain their sharpness if they do not want to continue dropping crucial points.