Arne Slot claims Liverpool behavior counts against them after Hugo Ekitike penalty claim

The Liverpool striker was involved in a coming together with Leeds' Jaka Bijol, that many felt should have resulted in a penalty being awarded during the goalless draw at Anfield on New Year's Day

Hugo Ekitike felt he should have been awarded a penalty in Liverpool's 0-0 draw against Leeds

Arne Slot has revealed his frustration at the lack of penalties Liverpool has been awarded this season, and claimed the Reds have been punished for being too honest.

The Dutchman’s comments come after referee Chris Kavanagh failed to award a spot-kick in favor of Hugo Ekitike during the first half of Liverpool’s 0-0 against Leeds United on New Year’s Day.

Jaka Bijol was clearly seen to have his hands on Ekitike outside the box, with contact continuing into the area. While perhaps not a stone-wall penalty, many felt the Leeds defender should have been penalized as his actions certainly impacted Ekitike as he went to shoot at goal.

The Frenchman attempted to hold off Bijol and then fired a timid shot at goal with his left foot that was easily saved.

Speaking after the game, Slot claimed a penalty may have been awarded had the player fallen to the ground, rather than valiantly trying to score.

Asked whether he felt it was a penalty, Slot replied: “No, because he stayed on his feet. When he would have fallen down, it would probably have been a penalty, but I can understand why he doesn't go down because this season so many times when we were fouled inside the 18-yard box we did not get a penalty.

“Maybe as a result, players think, 'Yeah, let's try to stay on our feet.'

Ekitike is challenged by Jaka Bijol(Image: Getty Images)

“This season we have conceded a few soft penalties we have conceded, but Brentford away, Crystal Palace in the Charity Shield, I can go on and on with soft penalties we have conceded this season.

“Fouls were made on us, Brentford away, Cody Gakpo, the referee said play on, so maybe our players try to stay on our feet and then it is hard for the VAR to interfere or a referee to give a penalty.

“We keep doing the same things. I don’t believe in the fact that over a season you get what you deserve - sometimes things go for you and against you — but in a long time, two, three, four seasons, then I believe in it.

“I think I am not wrong in that we only had one penalty this season. For the team with the most ball possession and is attacking in around the box, that it is surprising.

Slot was frustrated a penalty wasn't awarded in favor of Ekitike(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)

“But I would not encourage them to do that [go down easily]. We are just who we are. We won the league like this last season.

“We stay on our feet, against West Ham, when Paqueta tried everything to get a yellow card, one of our players tried to help him.”

The goalless draw against Leeds means Liverpool failed to capitalize on Manchester United and Chelsea dropping points earlier this week, and it maintains the three-point gap to the sides just below third place.