‘It’s who we are’ – Slot comments on Liverpool penalty decision in Leeds draw

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·1 gennaio 2026

‘It’s who we are’ – Slot comments on Liverpool penalty decision in Leeds draw

Arne Slot believes Liverpool were denied an “obvious” penalty against Leeds United because of their refusal to buy fouls by falling to the ground.

Hugo Ekitike was through in the first half at Anfield when he was manhandled by defender Jaka Bijol. The striker stayed on his feet before laying the ball off to Florian Wirtz, whose shot was blocked by James Justin.

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Ekitike’s calls for a spot kick fell on deaf ears as referee Chris Kavanagh waved play on. It was a big decision in a match where the Reds could not break down a stout Leeds defence, despite outshooting the visitors 19-4.

Second-half substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had won the game for the Whites with a deft finish, but he was ruled offside and the contest finished as a goalless draw.

Arne Slot comments on Liverpool penalty decision against Leeds United

“There was an obvious moment in the first half where we didn’t go to the floor, which I understand because every time we go to the floor we never get a penalty,” Slot told Sky Sports after the full-time whistle.

“Those are the margins, I see other teams going down in situations like that but we don’t do that. We’ve gone down when fouls were made multiple times this season and not got a penalty.

“In general we do speak about it and other players going down easily to get free kicks or other moments but this is who we are.

“Against West Ham Lucas Paqueta tried everything possible to get a second yellow and Alisson, who plays with him on the national team, tried to help him not get a yellow. In the end he got the second yellow in that game.

“If other fans or people look into it you will find moments where we went down and didn’t get anything. In the end it is who we are.”

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