Arne Slot has called for more transparency in the VAR system after Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall avoided a red card during their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool, a decision that played a pivotal role in Spurs’ 1-0 victory.
Bergvall, who had already received a yellow card, was fortunate not to get a second for fouling Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas in the 85th minute. Just moments later, Bergvall scored the decisive goal for Tottenham, leaving Liverpool manager Slot questioning the officiating.
Referee Stuart Attwell had used the stadium microphone to explain a separate VAR decision involving Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke being offside. However, Slot felt it would have been more informative for the referee to explain why Bergvall wasn’t shown a second yellow card, which could have changed the course of the match.
“Bergvall didn’t get the second yellow, but nobody expected it would have such a big impact 30 seconds later,” Slot said. “I haven’t asked the referee, but I’m almost certain that when Bergvall scored, he must have thought, ‘This can’t be happening.’ It wasn’t ideal for anyone, including Bergvall.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also voiced his frustration, claiming the referee made an obvious mistake. “I told him that he made a mistake,” van Dijk said. “He thinks he didn’t make one, but it was quite clear, and everyone on the sidelines knew it should have been a yellow card.”
Despite the loss, Slot remained optimistic about Liverpool’s chances in the second leg, referencing their dominant 6-3 victory over Spurs just 17 days prior. “Two games are never the same, and I didn’t expect another 6-3,” he said. “If you’re going to lose, the best way is to lose 1-0 and still have a chance to turn it around in the next game.”
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, whose team is chasing their first trophy since 2008, responded with humor to any doubts about his promise to win silverware in his second season. “People can mock me, but we’ll see,” Postecoglou said. “The comments about my ‘all things being equal’ were misunderstood. They weren’t about the officials. I understand why Arne feels disappointed. If I were in his position, I’d feel the same way.”
Postecoglou also touched on the emotional toll of his position, acknowledging the pressure from supporters. He said, “I’ve had an emotional time.” “I’m only human. It weighs heavily on me that our supporters don’t yet feel that sense of victory.”
The match also saw Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur stretchered off after collapsing in the first half. Postecoglou addressed concerns over the injury, saying: “We can’t speculate, but from what I know, hopefully, he will be OK.”
As the semi-final progresses, the controversy surrounding VAR and the potential for a dramatic second-leg comeback makes this Carabao Cup clash one to watch.
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