Liverpool manager Arne Slot will miss the club’s next two Premier League games after receiving a two-match touchline ban for his conduct following the Merseyside derby.
The Dutchman was sent off after the dramatic 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, a match that saw tempers flare both on and off the pitch. The FA charged Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff for misconduct, accusing them of using inappropriate language and behaving aggressively towards match officials.
An independent panel reviewed reports from referee Michael Oliver and his assistants along with statements from Liverpool’s management. The club accepted the charges, leading to the decision to sideline Slot and Hulshoff for the next two domestic games against Newcastle tonight and Southampton on March 8.
The Merseyside derby was already expected to be a heated contest but it reached another level in stoppage time. Everton’s James Tarkowski netted a late equalizer in the eighth minute of added time despite only five minutes initially being allotted. This sparked outrage from the Liverpool bench with Slot and his assistant confronting the officials after the final whistle.
Slot was one of four individuals to receive a red card after the game alongside Hulshoff and two players Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucouré following a chaotic altercation involving players coaches and even security personnel.
The FA has also imposed financial penalties on both clubs for failing to control their players and staff. Everton has been fined £65,000 while Liverpool will pay £50,000. Slot himself has been hit with a £70,000 fine and Hulshoff must pay £7,000 for his involvement.
Despite the domestic suspension Slot will still be allowed to manage Liverpool in their upcoming Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday. He will also be on the touchline for the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley on March 16.
With both Slot and Hulshoff sidelined for the next two league matches Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga is expected to take charge from the dugout.
