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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Hannah Pinnock

'Better not to play' - Ex-Liverpool winger slams VAR decision in social media rant after European loss

Former Liverpool winger Albert Riera has had a dramatic start to life as manager of Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana.

His unveiling press conference earlier this month was interrupted by ultras to stage a protest over the sacking of former manager Robert Prosinecki. The 40-year-old was forced to leave the room as supporters confronted sporting director Mladen Rudonja.

Riera has now overseen five games in charge of his new club, but was left unhappy after his side's Europa Conference League second qualifying defeat to Romanian side Sepsi OSK Sfantu Gheorghe.

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They were beaten 3-1 in the first leg last week but it wasn't without controversy as the former Galatasaray assistant coach took to social media to criticise the refereeing decisions.

He wrote in an Instagram story: "Should I risk my players in this m.... competition? If you create a new league you must have the same rules... where is VAR?

"If you don't give the same importance then it's better to not play it. Maybe a penalty, maybe not, here is a clear offside but a penalty and a red card. What a shame."

Riera's side currently trail 3-1 to their opponents, with the second leg set to take place on Thursday, July 28. The UEFA Europa Conference League was founded in May 2021 and ran for it's first season in 2021/22, with Roma clinching the title earlier this summer.

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