Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been handed a two-match touchline ban and fined £70,000 after his furious confrontation with referee Michael Oliver following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.
Slot was incensed by Abdoulaye Doucoure’s late equaliser and the officiating throughout the game. After the final whistle, he stormed onto the pitch and confronted Oliver, accusing him of favouring Everton. According to the FA, Slot told Oliver, “If we don’t win the league, I’ll [expletive] blame you” and later called the officiating “a [expletive] disgrace.”. The FA’s independent commission ruled that Slot’s behaviour was improper, though the Liverpool boss insisted he had said something less aggressive.
Despite his frustration, Slot later admitted his actions were unacceptable, saying, “I should set a better example.”. His fine was reduced from £100,000 due to his immediate apology and previously clean disciplinary record.
Assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff also received a two-match touchline ban and a £7,000 fine for his aggressive confrontation with Oliver. Meanwhile, both Liverpool and Everton were charged for failing to control their players in the chaotic post-match scenes.
Slot will serve his domestic ban immediately but remains focused on Liverpool’s Champions League round-of-16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Ahead of the tie, he acknowledged PSG’s strength, stating, “PSG is one of the strongest teams in Europe. It is a great fixture to look forward to.”
After serving his ban, Slot will return to the touchline for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on March 16. Liverpool, currently 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League, will also face Everton again at Anfield on April 2.
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