Arne Slot has received a two-match touchline ban and a significant fine after his red card in the heated Merseyside derby earlier this month. Despite the suspension, he will still be in the dugout for Liverpool’s League Cup final against Newcastle United next month. Both Liverpool and Everton have also been fined, while Slot’s assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, faces a similar ban following the chaotic scenes at the end of the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
The controversy erupted when referee Michael Oliver issued red cards to both Slot and Hulshoff after the final whistle. The aftermath of the match saw tensions boil over, with Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure also sent off following a melee near the away end. Slot accepted the Football Association’s charge, which cited improper conduct and the use of insulting or abusive language toward the match officials. As a result, an independent Regulatory Commission determined that the Liverpool manager should serve a two-match domestic suspension. He will miss the upcoming Premier League fixture against Newcastle and the home clash against Southampton on March 8.
However, the ban does not extend to European competitions, meaning Slot will be available for Liverpool’s Champions League round of 16 first-leg encounter against Paris Saint-Germain next week. By the time Liverpool faces Newcastle in the League Cup final on March 16, he will have completed his suspension. Alongside the touchline ban, Slot has been fined £70,000.
Hulshoff, who was penalized for both his red card and his reaction to the dismissal, faces the same two-game ban and has been fined £7,000. In their absence, Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga is expected to take charge from the dugout.
Additionally, both clubs have been penalized for their roles in the post-match incident. Liverpool has been fined £50,000, while Everton faces a steeper penalty of £65,000. Both clubs admitted to failing to control their players and technical staff after the final whistle, which contributed to the escalation of events.
An official FA statement outlined the sanctions, confirming that an independent Regulatory Commission found both clubs guilty of allowing improper and provocative behavior from their players and technical area occupants. The statement also detailed the individual charges against Slot and Hulshoff, emphasizing their improper conduct towards the match officials.
Slot admitted to using inappropriate language and behavior towards both the referee and assistant referee after the game, resulting in his suspension and fine. Similarly, Hulshoff acknowledged that his actions, including his reaction to his dismissal, violated FA regulations. His penalty includes a two-match ban and a financial sanction of £7,000.
The FA confirmed that the written reasons for these decisions will be released in due course, shedding further light on the factors that influenced the severity of the punishments. Liverpool will now have to navigate their next two domestic fixtures without their manager and assistant on the touchline, while both clubs will look to move past the controversy and focus on the challenges ahead.
