‘There is an issue’ – Ex-refs chief sides with Arne Slot over Liverpool frustration
Arne Slot will just be the latest Premier League manager to hit back at referees over inconsistent timekeeping.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the authorities should consider bringing in a timekeeper for added time at the end of halves.
Hackett has a history of calling for this very key rule change ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, and this has emerged once again after the Liverpool boss’ recent jibe at Chris Kavanagh.
Kavanagh was in charge of Crystal Palace’s last-gasp win over Liverpool at Selhurst Park, and the manager recently made comments about the difference in refereeing between the Premier League and Champions League.
He joked that the Reds’ referee for their clash with Galatasaray would not have allowed Eddie Nketiah to score Palace’s winner after blowing the full-time whistle directly on eight minutes of added time.
Arne Slot backed after new jibe at Premier League officials
While there was clearly a hint of humour in his comments, Hackett has backed the Liverpool boss as frustrations surrounding the added time increase in the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I have been quoted on many occasions that, at the elite level, the game requires an independent timekeeper. Until that happens, the referee is the sole timekeeper.
“He decides how much added time there will be. What we are seeing, of course, is that a great deal of time is being lost through time-wasting, or a manipulation of tactics is consuming time.
“At the moment, the average playing time has moved from 52 minutes to about 54 minutes, and some games are considerably less. So, there is an issue.
“And I reiterate, an independent timekeeper, even a stop-clock, will make an adjustment to the amount of time played in a match. Until that happens, we will have managers criticising match officials over the timing of games.”
Chris Kavanagh slammed yet again in Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
The added time was far from the only criticism Kavanagh received during the thriller at Selhurst Park, with many baffled why Federico Chiesa‘s goal was allowed to stand in the 87th minute.
Mohamed Salah’s hand appeared to make contact with the ball on its way to the goalscorer, but even after a VAR review, the Reds equalised. It did not matter, however, as the Eagles scored a deserved winner.
Kavanagh is under huge pressure due to his performances this season, having made multiple mistakes in the early stages, but Howard Webb has yet to sanction the referee for his actions.