Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, was nowhere to be seen during post-match interviews after his team’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Everton.
But it wasn’t by choice, Premier League rules bar anyone shown a red card from speaking to the media. Slot was sent off, so he had to stay silent.
Why Was Slot Sent Off?
The drama unfolded in stoppage time. Everton scored a last-minute equalizer after a lengthy VAR check for offside and a foul.
Liverpool had fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah. But James Tarkowski’s late strike made it 2-2, leaving Slot furious.
At full-time, Slot confronted referee Michael Oliver, arguing about the decision. Their heated exchange ended with an angry handshake, and Oliver showed Slot a straight red card. Slot’s assistant, Spike Hulshoff, was also sent off for protesting, leaving Liverpool without any senior staff to speak to the media.
Van Dijk’s Post-Match Reaction
Virgil van Dijk, in his post-match reaction, didn’t hold back. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Liverpool captain criticized Everton’s celebrations and the referee’s handling of the game.
“This is their cup final. We saw it last year, and this year it’s a big blow. Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans. Curtis [Jones] didn’t think that was the right thing to do. I think the referee didn’t have the game under control,” Van Dijk said.
The match ended in chaos, with Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones both getting red cards after a post-match clash. Police and stewards had to step in to calm things down.
What’s Next?
Slot and Hulshoff will serve touchline bans in Liverpool’s next game against Wolves. First-team coach John Heitinga will take charge from the sidelines, while the duo watches from the stands.
The Liverpool boss can still give team talks before the game and at halftime but must stay out of the dugout during the match.
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