Liverpool manager Arne Slot has responded sharply to Everton’s complaints about the amount of stoppage time awarded at the end of their recent Merseyside derby, insisting the referee’s decision to add only three minutes was correct. The issue has stirred debate among fans, players and analysts, with Everton alleging unfair treatment in a match that ended 2-1 in Liverpool’s favour.
Everton’s Grievances
Everton manager David Moyes described the minimal extra time as “very strange,” arguing that the stoppage time did not reflect the interruptions in the second half. Meanwhile winger Jack Grealish accused Liverpool of time-wasting, especially as Everton pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages. Grealish was booked after the final whistle for confronting the referee.
Everton’s complaints centre on the belief that the three minutes added by referee Darren England were insufficient, especially given some delays and the urgency of the situation. They suggest that those few minutes could have made a tangible difference in the outcome.
Slot’s Defence
Slot firmly rejected suggestions of time-wasting by his side, saying Liverpool did not engage in delaying tactics. He argued the added time was justified because:
- Only three substitutions had been made in the second half.
- There were no significant injuries needing treatment.
- Only one goal had been scored after halftime.
He also emphasised Liverpool’s attacking mentality, noting that at one point they had a promising opportunity (a five vs two situation) just before the match ended, wishing that there had been seconds more. That, he said, shows the team was still pushing forward.
The Match in Brief
Liverpool took a 2-0 lead through first-half goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike. Everton responded in the second half through Idrissa Gueye, setting up a tense final stretch as they searched for an equaliser. The match ended with Liverpool defending their lead under pressure.
What It All Means
The dispute highlights how subjective and controversial stoppage time can be, especially in close matches where every second feels vital for the trailing side. Some of the lessons and implications include: Slot
- Referee discretion plays a huge role: stoppage time is not an exact science, and decisions often depend on what the referee witnesses (substitutions, injuries, delays).
- Perceptions vs. facts: Everton perceive they were shortchanged, while Slot insists the rules and events justified the time given.
- Pressure in derby matches tends to magnify every decision; stoppage time issues will always provoke scrutiny.
- Importance of transparency: fans want clearer explanations when controversial decisions are made, so teams and officials should probably do more to articulate reasoning.
