Keith Hackett shares Arne Slot punishment verdict after Liverpool boss' comments vs Crystal Palace
Arne Slot was within his rights to voice his frustrations after Crystal Palace took advantage of Freddie Woodman's injury against Liverpool.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Reds' boss should face no punishment for what he said about referee Andy Madley.
Daniel Munoz netted in the second half at Anfield on Saturday, 25 April, but it was a rather controversial talking point, with the right-back lobbing the ball over the goalkeeper, who required treatment.
In his post-match press conference, Slot said: I don't blame them [Munoz], by the way, the referee should stop the game. I don't blame him as much as I blame the referee".
Liverpool eventually beat Palace 3-1, with Florian Wirtz firing home in added time to secure all three points, but the Eagles' goal remains a huge talking point following the weekend's fixtures.
Arne Slot justified for voicing his opinions vs Crystal Palace
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I can’t believe that an elite referee couldn’t see that the goalkeeper was injured and unable to take part in the game.
“He made it very clear that he was injured. You wouldn’t expect the goal to be scored, so the referee has opened himself up to criticism.
“Slot’s view is the right one. The referee should have stopped the game. Did it look right? No. Was it easier for the referee to stop the game? Of course it was.
| Daniel Munoz vs Liverpool | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Passing accuracy | 84% (21/25) |
| Successful passes | 100% (1/1) |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 67% (4/6) |
“He’s put himself under criticism from the manager. I’m supportive of what he has to say. He’s saying it as it is. Why didn’t he stop the game?”
Daniel Munoz at centre of further controversy at Anfield
Munoz certainly divided Premier League fans when scoring at Anfield, but he quickly became a pantomime villain when doing so, taking advantage of what appeared to be a serious injury.
The Reds have lost both Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili to injury this season, so seeing their third-choice shot-stopper would have worried many this weekend.
One fan's actions were completely inappropriate, however, with Munoz being hit by a football thrown by a Liverpool fan, an incident which could have turned very sour had it been a different object.
The authorities are expected to get involved after Palace's No.2 was struck on the back of the head, with Slot unlikely to be punished for expressing his frustrations around the controversy.