Arne Slot Suspended for Two Matches

Following a two-match ban and a large fine for his actions in the Merseyside derby, Liverpool manager Arne Slot will not be on the touchline for Wednesday’s home game against Newcastle. Deep into stoppage time in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on February 12, James Tarkowski’s equaliser for Everton set off explosive scenes. Along with Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool, Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were dispatched by referee Michael Oliver.

On Wednesday the FA released a statement stating Everton, Liverpool, Slot, and Hulshoff had been sanctioned by an independent regulatory commission. “It was alleged that the Liverpool head coach behaved improperly and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished,” it stated. “Arne Slot admitted the charge; the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and a £70,000 ($89,000) fine.”

Everton has also been fined £65,000 and Liverpool £50,000. Approaching Oliver after the last whistle, Arne Slot and Hulshoff were both ejected. Two days later, during a news conference, Slot acknowledged that his feelings had overcome him and he had “made the wrong decision”. “I should have behaved differently after the game, but it´s an emotional sport and sometimes people make wrong decisions and that´s definitely what I did,” the Dutchman remarked. After the Everton player celebrated in front of the Liverpool supporters, Jones and Doucoure collided.

Jones confronted him before staff members and players from both sides hurried over. Slot will be in the stands for Wednesday’s game against Newcastle and the ban also covers Liverpool’s home game against Southampton on March 8. The ban is for domestic games only, hence he will be let in the technical area when Liverpool visits Paris Saint- Germain for the opening leg of their last-16 match on March 5.

On March 16, he will also be on the touchline for Liverpool´s League Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley. Hot favourites to capture a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, Premier League leaders Liverpool are 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the league.