Arne Slot has received an extended suspension after being sent off just minutes after Liverpool conceded a late equalizer in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Liverpool were leading 2-1 when Everton captain James Tarkowski scored a powerful volley in stoppage time, securing a dramatic draw on Wednesday night. The Reds were frustrated as they believed Ibrahima Konaté had been fouled in the buildup, but VAR did not intervene, allowing the goal to stand.
Slot, furious on the touchline, confronted the officials, and after the final whistle, he and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were both dismissed, along with players Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucouré, following an altercation.
The Dutchman was visibly frustrated as he shook hands with referee Michael Oliver, and his red card meant he was barred from participating in post-match media duties under Premier League regulations.
The Premier League has since explained the decision, confirming Slot will serve a two-game touchline ban. In a statement, they said: “Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was dismissed at the end of the Merseyside derby for using offensive, insulting, or abusive language. He is handed a two-match touchline ban as a result.”
The additional match suspension was due to abusive language, meaning Slot will miss Liverpool’s games against Wolves and Aston Villa but will return for their clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on February 23.
With Hulshoff also suspended, former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga is expected to take charge in Slot’s absence.
Although it has not been officially confirmed what Slot said, professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman told SPORTbible that the Dutchman appeared to shout at an assistant referee: “That’s not a push? It’s a f**king disgrace… if you go and watch that again.” He then sarcastically told another assistant, “Well done,” before shaking hands with Oliver and saying, “Great game.”
Slot was visibly upset as captain Virgil van Dijk attempted to calm him, reportedly telling the referee, “Sure, you give me a red for that? I will check it out for later… me and you yeah? Sure, give me a red card… we’ll talk after?”
Despite the controversy, Liverpool remain seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after 24 matches.
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