Liverpool boss Arne Slot refused to even talk about Dominik Szoboszlai’s crazy red card against Manchester City – but he did fume over the officials’ failure to spot an infringement on Mohamed Salah by Marc Guehi.
Szoboslai saw red in stoppage time after the Hungarian midfielder pulled Erling Haaland’s shirt as the pair chased after a stray ball as it trickled towards an unguarded net. It eventually dribbled over the line from Rayan Cherki’s long-range shot with Alisson upfield.
But VAR intervened, with the goal being chalked off, while Szoboszlai was given his marching orders. Asked for his take, Slot chose not to discuss the incident and claimed that the incident between Guehi and Salah was more of a talking point.
He said: “That is not the incident we should talk about. Maybe he should have left it for a goal as it is, but if that is the rule that is what we have to accept.
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“If there is any incident we should talk about, it’s when Mo Salah is one on one with the goalkeeper. Anyone who has been to this stadium in the last seven or eight years, that is a goal for Salah. Once again, the referee decides not in our favour. They have to do their job.”
While Slot was not keen on discussing the incident, those of a City perspective were more open. Erling Haaland also gave his verdict and claimed he sympathised with Szoboszlai.
He said: “Of course, the referee had to follow the rules but this will give him three games, in the end I feel bad for him because he gets three games.
“Just give the goal, don’t give a red card. Simple as that. It’s the rules and how it is. If Cherki just passed me the ball so I can score… but he didn’t want to, so that’s just how it is!”
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Meanwhile, City boss Guardiola also shared his verdict and agreed with his striker. Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Spanish coach said: “Common sense, no?
“We won the game and now Szoboszlai cannot play. I know he pulled him, but many pulls are there in a game where the referee says ‘play on’, ‘play on’, ‘play on’?
“In this country, in this league, it’s always been like that. So give a goal, 3-1, Szoboszlai can play and we are happy.”
City’s win sees them cut the gap to Arsenal at the top of the table to six points. Meanwhile, Liverpool remain in sixth and five points off the pace in the race for the Champions League places.
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