Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been given a two-game touchline ban for his conduct following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Everton. As a result, Slot will be absent from the dugout for Liverpool’s upcoming matches against Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday and Southampton’s visit on 8 March. In addition to the suspension, the Dutch coach has been fined £70,000.
Slot received a red card from referee Michael Oliver and was subsequently charged by the Football Association for behaving improperly, including the use of insulting and/or abusive language towards both the referee and an assistant. His assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, has also been handed a two-game ban and fined £7,000. As a result, John Heitinga is expected to take charge from the sidelines for the next two games.
Meanwhile, both Liverpool and Everton have been fined £50,000 and £65,000 respectively for failing to control their players during the heated encounter at Goodison Park. The chaotic conclusion to the match saw Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucouré sent off, with tensions escalating further after Liverpool conceded a stoppage-time equaliser.
Reflecting on the incident, Slot admitted emotions got the better of him. “The additional five minutes ended up being eight, a lot happened, and emotions took over,” he said. “Looking back, I would love to have handled it differently.”
Despite the suspension, Slot will return to the touchline in time for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley on 16 March.
