The Premier League is in turmoil following a dramatic first-half incident in which Liverpool’s passionate manager, Arne Slot, lost his temper after a clear handball by Bournemouth denied striker Ekitike a certain goal.
The moment shocked fans and pundits alike, casting chaos over the opening stages of the season.
Slot didn’t hold back, labeling the decision a “complete disgrace” and a prime example of why clubs and supporters continue to feel frustrated by the league.
In a press conference that quickly turned emotional, Slot criticized the officials for their handling of the incident.
“How was that not a handball? He clearly stopped him from scoring! And the assistant referee actually had the audacity to tell me to ‘try harder’… Are you serious?!” he raged.
His comments mirrored the anger of fans as VAR failed to overturn the call—a decision many are seeing as the latest in a series of controversial rulings by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Slot went further, warning that this early-season controversy sets a worrying precedent. “It’s obvious we’re going to get robbed repeatedly this season,” he added, his frustration evident.
Social media erupted with Liverpool supporters voicing outrage, accusing the league of bias and demanding accountability.
The incident has intensified tensions between Premier League managers and officials over VAR, particularly in crucial goal-line situations.
Questions of transparency, consistency, and fairness are once again at the forefront, with fans, pundits, and former players calling for answers and leaving the league under intense scrutiny just days into the new season.
Liverpool now faces the challenge of regrouping, but the shadow of this contentious decision looms large. One thing is certain: Arne Slot’s team will not quietly accept what they see as blatant injustice, and the Premier League should expect a storm of criticism.
