Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, has been handed a two-match ban following his red card in the Merseyside derby. The suspension will see him miss Liverpool’s upcoming games against Newcastle and Southampton. The incident took place during the controversial 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park, which led to Slot’s dismissal and subsequent charges from the FA.
Both Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were charged with “allegedly acting in an improper manner and/or using insulting and/or abusive words and/or behavior” towards match officials. An independent panel reviewed the incident, including testimonies from referee Michael Oliver, Slot, Hulshoff, and Liverpool, with the club accepting the charges.
Slot and Hulshoff Miss Two Matches
As a result of the charges, Slot will be banned for two domestic fixtures, marking his second suspension of the season. Hulshoff, too, will serve a two-match ban. This means Liverpool will be without both key figures for their home matches against Newcastle (tonight) and Southampton (March 8). However, Slot will return to the dugout for the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 16.
Additionally, both Slot and Hulshoff will be present for Liverpool’s Champions League clash against PSG next Wednesday.
Fines and Consequences
In addition to the bans, Slot has been fined £70,000, while Hulshoff faces a £7,000 fine. Both Everton and Liverpool have also been fined for failing to control their players during the heated encounter. Everton’s fine amounts to £65,000, while Liverpool’s is set at £50,000.
During Slot and Hulshoff’s absence, assistant coach John Heitinga is expected to step in as head coach for Liverpool’s domestic matches.
