Arne Slot Liverpool’s head coach has been handed a two-match touchline ban following his red card in the aftermath of a fiery Merseyside derby. The dramatic 2-2 draw at Goodison Park ended in controversy, with tensions boiling over after James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equaliser for Everton.
Slot, along with his assistant Sipke Hulshoff, was charged by the FA for improper conduct towards match officials, leading to suspensions that will see both men miss upcoming fixtures against Newcastle United and Southampton. Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones were also dismissed after a post-match altercation, adding to the chaos.
The flashpoint came after Doucoure celebrated provocatively in front of Liverpool’s away fans, prompting Jones to push him away. A melee ensued, drawing in players and coaching staff from both sides. The FA later charged both clubs for failing to control their players and technical area occupants.
Slot admitted his actions crossed the line, saying, “Emotions got the better of me.” His punishment includes a £70,000 fine, while Hulshoff was fined £7,000. Liverpool and Everton were also hit with fines of £50,000 and £65,000, respectively.
With Slot and Hulshoff sidelined, first-team duties will be handled by John Heitinga until the Liverpool boss returns for the highly anticipated reverse fixture against Everton at Anfield on April 2. He will, however, be in the dugout for both legs of the Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain and the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
