S Poddar
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been given a two-match touchline ban after being sent off in the intense Premier League match against Everton. The sanction is for his altercation with referee Michael Oliver on the field after the dramatic 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on 12 February.
The Dutchman will miss the dugout for Liverpool’s next home game against Newcastle on Wednesday, as well as their league match against Southampton on 8 March. He will, however, be allowed to manage from the touchline when the Reds host France in the Champions League last-16 first-leg encounter against Paris St-Germain on 5 March.
A independent Football Association (FA) commission handed out the suspension, along with a £70,000 fine, after Slot pleaded guilty to the charge. The FA also fined Liverpool’s assistant coach, Sipke Hulshoff, two matches and £7,000 for his involvement in the altercation. The two clubs were also fined for their failure to control their players at the end of the Merseyside derby melee, with Liverpool being fined £65,000 and Everton £50,000.
The match saw tensions escalate dramatically when James Tarkowski netted a last-gasp equalizer in the 98th minute. The goal triggered jubilant scenes among Everton fans, some of whom entered the field in celebration. Liverpool players and staff, however, were left fuming as they believed Tarkowski’s goal should have been disallowed for a foul on Ibrahima Konate in the buildup. The contentious moment was checked by the video assistant referee (VAR), but the goal remained, to the chagrin of the away team.
Slot, clearly furious, was witnessed having words with one of the assistant referees before walking over to Oliver. Although he initially shook hands with the official, Oliver quickly produced a red card, sending the Liverpool boss packing on the spot. Hulshoff was also given his marching orders in the wake of the angry exchanges.
As a result of his dismissal, Slot was prevented from speaking to the media right after the game. Nevertheless, he later vented his anger at the refereeing decisions, especially the prolonged stoppage time played in excess of the originally signaled five minutes.
Looking back on the incident in a press conference two days later, Slot acknowledged, “Emotions got the better of me.” His honest statement speaks volumes about the high stakes and competitiveness of the Premier League title fight, where each choice can have profound consequences.
Liverpool, top of the league, will be forced to navigate the next two domestic matches without their manager on the touchline. This latest twist adds to the intrigue as they seek to keep their run going in domestic and European affairs. With emotions running high and key games to come, Slot’s absence might be a stern test of the team’s character.
