What Arne Slot’s 2-match ban, £70k fine mean for Liverpool

• Arne Slot angrily confronted referee Michael Oliver after Everton’s dramatic equaliser in the Merseyside derby
• The FA also fined assistant Sipke Hulshoff and sanctioned both clubs for failing to control their players
• Slot’s suspension applies only to the Premier League, ruling him out of games against Newcastle and Southampton

Merseyside derbies are undoubtedly always intense and fiery, and the last clash at Goodison Park was no different. 

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been hit with a two-match touchline ban and a hefty £70,000 fine following his heated exchange with referee Michael Oliver after Everton’s dramatic last-minute equaliser in their 2-2 draw.

The Football Association (FA) confirmed the punishment in a statement, adding that Slot’s assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, had also been sanctioned. Both coaches were sent off after the final whistle as Liverpool’s technical staff protested against James Tarkowski’s stoppage-time goal, which they argued should not have stood due to an alleged foul in the build-up.

The match, which was the last Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park before Everton’s move to Bramley-Moore Dock, ended in chaos. 

Everton’s Tarkowski scored in stoppage time to level the game, sparking wild celebrations that led to further altercations. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure were both shown red cards for an aggressive confrontation following the goal.

Slot’s frustration boiled over at full-time when he approached Michael Oliver to protest the decision. Cameras captured the Dutch manager shaking Oliver’s hand forcefully while exchanging words, prompting the referee to show him a red card on the spot.

FA cracks down on Slot’s indiscipline

The FA has now given its verdict on the scenario, issuing fines to both clubs as well as Slot and Hulshoff. 

In a statement, the governing body confirmed that Slot had admitted to acting in an "improper manner" and using "insulting and/or abusive words" towards the officials. The independent Regulatory Commission imposed the suspension, which will see Slot banned from the touchline for Liverpool’s next two Premier League games,

“Everton and Liverpool admitted the charges and the Regulatory Commission imposed £65,000 and £50,000 fines on them respectively,” the FA’s statement read.

The FA also confirmed that a detailed explanation of the sanctions would be published “in due course.”

Slot’s suspension applies only to league matches, meaning he will miss Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures against Newcastle United at Anfield and bottom-placed Southampton. However, he will be back on the touchline in time for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on March 16.

Notably, his return to Premier League action will be another Merseyside derby, this time at Anfield on April 2, where tensions are likely to run just as high as they did at Goodison.

Slot shrugs off Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid links after United draw

Previously, TheRadar reported that Liverpool manager Arne Slot dismissed suggestions that transfer speculation played a role in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s underwhelming performance during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Anfield. 

Alexander-Arnold, in the final six months of his contract, struggled defensively and was partially responsible for United’s opening goal, leaving questions about his focus amidst swirling transfer rumours.