The incident involving Amazon Prime and Liverpool boss Arne Slot has gained attention after the streaming platform reportedly issued an apology for a misunderstanding during Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Background of the Incident
- The match saw dramatic moments, with Liverpool losing a two-goal lead as Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon put the home side ahead twice. Mohamed Salah spearheaded a Liverpool comeback, but a late equalizer from Fabian Schär, following a goalkeeping error by Caoimhin Kelleher, resulted in a draw.
- During post-match coverage, Amazon Prime presenter Dan Walker made a comment suggesting that Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, had visited the referee’s room during half-time. This implied interaction with the match officials sparked debate, as such visits can sometimes raise ethical questions in football.
The Response
- Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was asked about the incident during his post-match interview but avoided delving into the topic, calling it “a can of worms.”
- However, reports later clarified that Slot had not entered the referee’s room but had a conversation with referee Andrew Madley in the tunnel, a less formal and often incidental setting.
Amazon Prime’s Apology
- According to The Times, Amazon Prime acknowledged the error, attributing it to a production misunderstanding. The platform personally contacted Slot to issue an apology for the false implication.
- The mix-up led to some tension, as referee decisions were already under scrutiny, particularly regarding the match’s conclusion when Andrew Madley ended play while Newcastle appeared to be on a promising counter-attack.
Post-Match Reactions
- Slot reflected on the game, noting that the draw felt disappointing, particularly given Liverpool’s late lead. However, he praised his team’s second-half performance for creating numerous opportunities.
- The result tightened the Premier League title race, with Liverpool’s lead at the top reduced to seven points.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the importance of accuracy in sports broadcasting, as even minor errors can influence narratives surrounding teams and officials. Amazon Prime’s swift apology underscores the sensitivity around such claims, particularly in high-stakes Premier League matches.