The Premier League have deleted a statement detailing the length of Arne Slot’s suspension following his red card in the aftermath of the Merseyside derby.
Wednesday night’s intense encounter at Goodison Park ended in chaos, with a heated altercation leading to four red cards after the final whistle.
Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure were both sent off following a confrontation at the end of the 2-2 draw.
Tensions escalated when Doucoure celebrated in front of the visiting Liverpool supporters shortly after Everton secured a late equaliser.
The situation quickly spiralled into a physical altercation involving players from both teams, stewards and police.
Slot was also shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver after shaking hands with him at full-time.
On Thursday morning, the Premier League initially published a statement that 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.” However, this statement was swiftly taken down moments later.
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
The Premier League’s initial statement also clarified: “Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones were both sent off for two bookable offences in Everton’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool. The pair will each serve one-match bans.
“Doucoure will sit out Everton’s upcoming Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace, while Jones is suspended for the first of Liverpool’s Matchweek 25 games, versus Wolverhampton Wanderers.”
Following the match, Slot was visibly frustrated and engaged in an animated discussion with the officials.
According to an expert lip-reader, Slot approached Oliver after the final whistle and said: “Great game.”
As they shook hands, Slot appeared to pull Oliver slightly before the referee swiftly produced a red card. The Dutchman then responded: “Sure, you give me a red for that? I will check it out for later. Me and you ya?”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also confronted the referee, stating: “Hey, Michael, that was not a pull. Michael, it isn’t personal.”
Further analysis captured Van Dijk urging his team-mates to exit the scene, saying: “Go, hey go…go in.” He then reiterated to Oliver that it was “nothing personal.”
In the same footage, Slot was also seen asking Oliver to talk after.