Exclusive: Shock Premier League news a ‘disaster’ after Slot’s Liverpool implosion
The Premier League’s new rules around manager interviews are a “recipe for disaster” following Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s outburst last season, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the new broadcasting rules are likely to be more about the money and controversy than the players on the pitch.
Revealing the news on Friday (27 June), The Telegraph reported that US-style innovations will see half-time interviews with players, and more importantly, managers implemented into the game next season.
While Hackett is no stranger to the development of the game, with the former FIFA referee calling for a rule on no VAR reviews for second yellow cards after Willy Gnonto was sent off recently, he is not a fan of this idea.
Arne Slot erupts at Michael Oliver during Everton draw
The former official’s main issue stems from Slot’s outburst during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Everton last season, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones both being shown red cards at full-time.
Hitting out at the referee’s decision, high on emotion after James Tarkowski‘s last-gasp equaliser, the Dutchman received a two-game touchline ban and was fined £70,000 [BBC Sport].
Given time to calm down and process his actions, the manager was professional and apologetic in his post-match press conference, but the worry would be that an on-pitch interview at full-time would cause more issues.
Liverpool boss’ outburst used as evidence by Keith Hackett
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “It’s all about money, airtime, and controversy, isn’t it? We’re going to see the guy holding the camera on his shoulders while the manager has an exchange with the referee.
“The microphone will pick up what’s being said, which is just a recipe for disaster. The manager isn’t going to reveal his tactic changes [at half-time] because they’ll be informing the competition.
“Instead, he’ll go into the blame culture of the referee being at fault. I’m surprised that, somewhere along the line, Howard Webb, as boss of the PGMOL, hasn’t been consulted or expressed his concerns.
“I’m also surprised that the LMA [League Managers Association] are allowing this to happen, but I suspect there’s a financial benefit for this to happen.
“The referee will stay away from it all, he won’t hear what’s been said, and if that manager makes controversial comments about officials, what are the authorities going to do about it?”