Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been given a two-match touchline ban following his red card during a dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton. The match, played on Wednesday, saw high tensions as both teams fought for crucial Premier League points.
Liverpool had been on track to secure a vital win that would have put them nine points clear at the top of the table. However, Everton’s James Tarkowski stunned the visitors with a last-gasp volley in the eighth minute of stoppage time, snatching a dramatic equalizer.
The late goal triggered wild celebrations from Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, who ran towards the away fans in excitement. His actions led to an angry reaction from Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, sparking a heated exchange between both sets of players.
Referee Michael Oliver intervened, showing red cards to both Doucoure and Jones for their involvement in the scuffle.
Amidst the chaos, tensions escalated further as some supporters invaded the pitch, prompting security personnel and police to step in. The situation worsened when Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were also shown red cards by Oliver.
In a statement, the Premier League explained Slot’s dismissal:
“Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was dismissed at the end of the Merseyside derby for using offensive, insulting, or abusive language.”
As a result of his red card, Slot will now miss Liverpool’s next two matches. He will be absent from the touchline for Sunday’s home fixture against Wolves and the upcoming away match against Aston Villa on February 19.
Meanwhile, Doucoure and Jones will serve one-match suspensions for their roles in the confrontation.
