Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, has been handed a two-game touchline suspension following his conduct towards match officials during a heated Merseyside derby with Everton. On Wednesday, the Football Association revealed that Slot admitted to behaving improperly, using insulting, abusive language, and demonstrating unsporting behavior towards both the referee and an assistant referee after a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on February 12. As punishment, an independent Regulatory Commission not only suspended him but also imposed a fine of £70,000, equivalent to $90,000.
Slot received a red card for his actions post-match and has since expressed regret, acknowledging his misconduct. He appeared to aggressively shake the hand of referee Michael Oliver and made comments amid the chaotic aftermath of the match, which was the last Merseyside derby to be held at Goodison Park before Everton transitions to a new stadium at the end of the season.
The match saw Everton’s James Tarkowski score a crucial equalizer in the eighth minute of stoppage time, although only five minutes had been allotted, which might explain Slot’s discontent. Slot was one of four individuals to be shown red cards post-game, including his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, and two players, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure. Their altercation escalated into a fracas involving players, coaches, stewards, and even police officers.
The commission also fined Everton £65,000 ($82,000) and Liverpool £50,000 ($63,000) for failing to control their players and staff after the final whistle. Hulshoff, in addition, received a two-match touchline ban and a £7,000 ($9,000) fine for his conduct before receiving a red card.
As a result, both Slot and Hulshoff will not be present in the dugout for Liverpool’s next two domestic fixtures—Premier League matches at Anfield against Newcastle and Southampton on March 8. Despite the repercussions of the derby, Liverpool retains an 11-point lead in the league.
Slot, speaking two days post-derby, refrained from repeating what was said to the officials. Reflecting on the incident, he admitted, “The emotions got the better of me and if I look back, I would love to do it differently. I’m hoping to do it differently next time.”
