Arne Slot punished for X-rated blast about Arsenal… because fourth official thought he was talking to him
ARNE SLOT was shown a yellow card during Liverpool’s draw at Arsenal… because of an eavesdropping fourth official.
The Reds twice fought from behind to snatch a point against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday evening, as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah cancelled out Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino’s strike.
GettyArne Slot was booked after venting about Arsenal players – with the fourth official overhearing and believing it was aimed at him[/caption]
GettyLiverpool returned to Merseyside with a share of the spoils after twice coming from behind[/caption]
But as tempers flared in a tempestuous title showdown, a spot of confusion on the touchline led to Kop boss Slot being shown a yellow card.
The Liverpool chief explained he was growing frustrated with Arsenal stars “falling down” under the slightest contact.
And as he vented to his own players from the touchline, a twitchy-eared match official believed Slot was ranting at him – and quickly flashed the booking.
Slot said: “[Arsenal] always fell down when they had ball possession.
“I said to Ibou [Konate]: ‘This is a f***ing joke’.
“But the fourth official thought I was talking to him. I got a yellow for that!”
The top-of-the-table showdown in North London wasn’t without its controversy.
Bitter Gooners were twice left angered by the match officials at the Emirates in a heated contest.
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In the first half, Van Dijk appeared to lash out at Kai Havertz – before equalising ten minutes later with home fans claiming the Dutch defender shouldn’t have even been on the pitch.
And late in the game, after Liverpool piled on the pressure and snatched a second leveller, Arsenal went up the other end and thought they’d scored in the 90th minute.
Jakub Kiwior leapt highest to head a ball forward towards Havertz, with the German getting the better of his marker to flick the ball on before lobbing goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
However, referee Anthony Taylor judged the ex-Chelsea forward to have fouled Konate, possibly because his arms was raised, leaving fans calling the decision “pathetic”.
Chaos at The Emirates 😲 pic.twitter.com/qgIOA6IK4Z
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Meanwhile, SunSport can reveal former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has put his £4million Merseyside mansion up for sale after successor Slot turned down the chance to move in.
The Dutch boss and wife Mirjam were shown around the seven-bed home but are deciding on their next move.
The club have now put the gated property on the market – ending a 20-year link.
A source said: “It was identified by the club as an ideal base for incoming managers.
“Arne was offered it when he took over in the summer but has chosen to live elsewhere.
“As a result, the club has decided to cut its losses.”
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developer.
The property boasts three living rooms, a games room, swimming pool, two-storey gym, solarium, jacuzzi, sauna and cinema.
When Gerrard left for US side LA Galaxy in 2015 he sold the house to incoming Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.
The Northern Irish manager was sacked that October but kept the property and rented it to Klopp.
In 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp, 57, to stay on rent-free.
But Slot appears to have turned down the chance to move in and will look to move his family elsewhere.
