The FA has disclosed the reasons behind Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s dismissal by Michael Oliver following the Merseyside derby on February 12.
Slot, 46, and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were both shown red cards after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park. The match saw late drama when Everton’s James Tarkowski netted a stoppage-time equalizer, sparking chaotic scenes. Soon after, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones received second yellow cards after clashing.
Usually composed, Slot appeared frustrated when confronting referee Oliver, 40, and his officiating team after the match. The FA later charged Everton, Liverpool, and Slot, with the Dutch manager receiving a two-match touchline ban for behaving “in an improper manner and/or using insulting and/or abusive language or conduct.” He was also fined £70,000 by an independent Regulatory Commission.
As a result, Slot was forced to watch Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle on February 26 from the stands and will do the same when they host Southampton on March 8. However, he will be on the touchline for Liverpool’s Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on March 5.
Debate has since arisen over Slot’s exact words to the referee that led to his punishment. The FA’s newly released report details what the Liverpool manager allegedly said to Oliver.
According to the report, Slot’s behavior was described as “confrontational and aggressive.” It was claimed that while shaking Oliver’s hand, he accused the referee of “f*****g giving them everything” and sarcastically remarked that he hoped Oliver was “proud of that performance.”
A minute later, Slot allegedly approached Oliver again, shook his hand once more, and stated, “If we don’t win the league, I’ll fg blame you.” He then reportedly turned to the assistant referee and twice shouted that the officiating was “a fg disgrace,” leading to his red card.
The report also outlined Hulshoff’s alleged comments, which resulted in his two-match touchline ban and £7,000 fine.
Hulshoff was accused of calling Oliver “fg st,” claiming he “gave them everything” and labeling him a “fg disgrace.” The report further stated that Oliver attempted to remove himself from the situation to handle Doucoure and Jones’ dismissals, but Hulshoff continued following him, repeatedly shouting “f*g st” until he was eventually restrained by colleagues.
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