Howard Webb ‘to visit’ Arne Slot after what Liverpool boss did vs Crystal Palace – ex-refs chief
Arne Slot should expect a visit from PGMOL chief Howard Webb following his conduct at the weekend.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that a visit from the head of referees could help build a relationship between the two parties.
Liverpool suffered heartbreak in a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday, 27 September, with Eddie Nketiah popping up in the seventh minute of added time to send Selhurst Park into a frenzy.
Palace lost Eberechi Eze over the summer, but even without the playmaker, the Eagles were all over their opponents, taking the lead after just nine minutes before Federico Chiesa scored a late equaliser.
Arne Slot rages at Crystal Palace opener at Selhurst Park
It was Ismaila Sarr‘s opener that caused Slot to pick up an early yellow card, and the Dutchman was adamant that a goal-kick should have been awarded, rather than the corner that Palace scored from.
Liverpool were lucky to see their own goal stand, with Mohamed Salah accused of handling the ball before Chiesa poked home at the back post, but the boss was furious, nonetheless.
Slot continued to express his anger in post-match interviews, taking issue with referee Chris Kavanagh, and Webb has now been urged to step in to cool the situation.
It is not the first time Slot has faced issues with Premier League referees, having been sent off in the Merseyside derby last season, but Hackett believes a mutual ground can be found between the two.
Howard Webb and Slot must find common ground over frustrations
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL boss said: “Picking up a yellow card in the ninth minute is not good for the game, whether that be for the manager or on the pitch. We need to recognise that managers are under pressure to win.
“It is a pressurised environment, much like it is for the referee. Where’s the word of warning gone? That might just be a conversation between Slot and the fourth official.
“If I were Howard Webb, I would be ringing Mr Slot this morning, and I would talk to him about coming to visit later in the week. What about? Let’s see if we can improve the relationship between you and my match officials.
“Some referees might be overly aggressive; some might be overly tolerant. Talking prevents, so that is an important role for Howard Webb. I would be visiting Melwood [Training Ground], not having a phone call. A face-to-face is what gains more respect both ways.”