Arne Slot delivers verdict on controversial Lucas Bergvall decision as Tottenham end Liverpool unbeaten run | OneFootball

Bergvall stopped a Liverpool break when already on a yellow scored and then scored the winner minutes later

Arne Slot insisted there was “no debate” that the foul Lucas Bergvall committed on Kostas Tsimikas should have earned the Tottenham teenager a second yellow card minutes before he scored the winner against Liverpool.

Liverpool head into the second leg on February 6 behind in the tie, despite having beaten Tottenham 6-3 away from home in a pulsating Premier League affair just 17 days ago.

Slot was asked whether Bergvall ought to have been sent off, and replied: “I don’t think there’s any debate about that.

“Every manager would prefer to get a second yellow card for the opposition than [an advantage] to finish that counter-attack.

“And then the next discussion is whether it was reckless enough? Then go back. So, we still have to give a yellow.

“Things happen. Very unlucky for us. But the good thing is that if you ever have to lose a game, it’s better if you lose one where there’s still a second leg to be played.”

The Dutchman continued: “It would be more interesting for everyone if he explained why he didn’t give a second yellow card than explaining why he cancelled the goal, because everybody could see on the screen! But I know that’s not the rule, and the VAR was of course not involved on the ‘yes or no’ for a second yellow card.”

Liverpool are next in action Saturday lunchtime when they host Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup.