Arne Slot highlights VAR issue following historic moment in Liverpool’s defeat at Tottenham

Arne Slot and Ange Postecoglou both agreed that the referee’s in-stadium VAR announcement during Wednesday night’s match felt unnecessary.

For the first time in English football history, a VAR decision was explained to the crowd. This occurred during Liverpool’s 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

Referee Stuart Attwell announced via his headset that Tottenham’s goal had been disallowed because Dominic Solanke was offside before scoring in the 79th minute.

However, neither manager felt the announcement was needed, given the clarity of the decision.

Instead, Slot suggested the microphone system could have been better used to explain why Lucas Bergvall was not sent off late in the game.

Bergvall, who was already on a booking, slid into Kostas Tsimikas, catching the Liverpool defender.

Despite the foul, he escaped a second yellow card.

Minutes later, the 18-year-old Swede scored the match’s only goal, securing a first-leg lead for Tottenham ahead of the return fixture at Anfield in four weeks.

When asked about the night’s VAR interventions and the in-stadium announcement, Slot commented: “You can’t judge something based on one game, but if it’s offside, I don’t think anyone needs an explanation.

When he started explaining, you saw the red and blue lines.

“I think it would be more useful if he explained why he didn’t issue a second yellow card rather than canceling the goal, which everyone could already see on the screen. But I know that’s not the rule.

The rule is to explain decisions involving VAR. The VAR doesn’t intervene on second yellow cards.

“In general, I think we shouldn’t judge this based on one evening. Let’s assess it after seeing it in action a few more times.”

Postecoglou, despite Tottenham’s victory—its first since December 19—was similarly unimpressed.

When asked about the offside explanation, he remarked: “Do I welcome it? No.

If they’d shown the handball at the weekend, would our supporters have been happy?

I have to accept this is the way forward and be a part of it, but don’t expect me to cheer for these changes.”

Postecoglou expressed concern about the rapid transformation of the game.

“I’m really surprised at how easily people in this country let the game change so much, so quickly,” he said.

“Since VAR came in, the game has changed more in a few years than in the past 50.

“We need to be cautious about constantly altering the game.

Why do we feel the need to change it so much? I know I’ll be the old guy in the stands shouting ‘boo,’ but I thought people would be more protective of the game’s sanctity.”

Both managers’ reactions highlight a growing divide in opinions about how technology is influencing football.

While transparency is a priority, the balance between tradition and innovation remains a contentious issue.