Arne Slot has been issued a two-match touchline ban after being sent off during the Merseyside derby against Everton.
Slot and his assistant, Spike Hulshoff, confronted referee Michael Oliver after the match to dispute James Tarkowski’s late equaliser.
Liverpool strongly believed a foul had occurred in the build-up to the goal, but Oliver awarded it, a decision upheld by VAR.
Following a handshake with Oliver, Slot was shown a red card, leading to confusion regarding the reason for his dismissal.
The Premier League subsequently clarified that the dismissal was due to the use of “offensive, insulting or abusive language.”
In a statement, the Premier League said: “Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was dismissed at the end of the Merseyside derby for using offensive, insulting, or abusive language. He is handed a two-match touchline ban as a result.”
Typically, managers receiving red cards are subject to a one-match touchline ban. However, the use of abusive language resulted in an escalated two-match ban for Slot.
Another angle of Arne Slot’s red card tonight…
What did he say to Michael Oliver 🤝 pic.twitter.com/qzR376WKUw
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 12, 2025
He was consequently unable to fulfil his post-match media obligations following the draw at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
Jonny Heitinga, first-team coach, will assume managerial duties for the upcoming match against Wolves Heitinga may continue in this role for the subsequent match against Aston Villa if Hulshoff also receives a two-match ban.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones was also sent off by Oliver for his role in a post-match altercation. Jones shoved Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure after Doucoure celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans at full-time.
In addition to the bans for Slot, Jones, and potentially Hulshoff, Liverpool can expect a charge from the Football Association for failing to control their players.
Premier League rules also stipulate a separate fine for teams accumulating six cards within a single match. This includes cards issued to coaches.
Liverpool received yellow cards for Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley, and two for Jones, along with red cards for Slot and Hulshoff. They could face a £25,000 fine.
Despite the draw, Liverpool maintained a seven-point lead over closest rivals Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk attributed the post-match brawl to Doucoure, asserting that the Everton player deliberately attempted to “provoke” Liverpool’s fans.
“This is their cup final. We saw it last year, and this year it’s a significant setback. Doucoure sought to provoke our fans. Curtis reacted appropriately. I believe the referee lost control of the match; I conveyed this to him,” he said.