Liverpool's Arne Slot hit with two-match ban after Merseyside derby chaos

By SABC Sport
26th February 2025

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has received a two-match touchline ban and a fine of 70,000 pounds from the Football Association following his red card during the tense finale of the Merseyside derby on February 12.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has received a two-match touchline ban and a fine of 70,000 pounds from the Football Association following his red card during the tense finale of the Merseyside derby on February 12.

Slot, who approached referee Michael Oliver after a scuffle between the two teams saw Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool's Curtis Jones sent off for receiving second yellow cards, admitted to behaving "in an improper manner and/or using insulting and/or abusive words and/or conduct toward both the match referee and an assistant referee."

Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, who also accepted the charge, was handed a two-match ban and a 7,000 pound fine after he too was dismissed following the final whistle.

Both Everton and Liverpool were charged for failing "to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not engage in improper and/or provocative conduct" and were fined 65,000 pounds and 50,000 pounds respectively.

The detailed reasons behind the suspensions and fines will be released at a later time.

The incident began after Doucoure appeared to celebrate in front of Liverpool fans following James Tarkowski's goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time, which secured a 2-2 draw for Everton in the final derby at Goodison Park.

Jones responded angrily, charging towards Doucoure, which sparked the confrontation. Slot shook Oliver's hand and seemed to say something to the referee, who promptly issued another red card.