Arne Slot Receives Two-Match Touchline Ban for Confronting Referee Michael Oliver After Heated Merseyside Derby Between Liverpool and Everton

Arne Slot will be banned from the touchline for Liverpool’s upcoming two matches after his heated confrontation with referee Michael Oliver during the Merseyside Derby two weeks ago.

The incident, which followed a fiery 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Everton, has led to Slot being handed a two-match ban, meaning he will have to watch from the stands.

Johnny Heitinga Takes Charge in Slot’s Absence

With Slot sidelined, Johnny Heitinga, Liverpool’s assistant manager, will step in to manage the team during their clash against Newcastle this Wednesday.

Heitinga will be filling in for Slot, who won’t be allowed to lead the team from the sidelines.

However, it’s not just Slot who’s affected; assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff is also banned from the touchline after two alleged instances of misconduct during the same match.

Charges and Punishments Following the Derby

Both Slot and Hulshoff were charged by the Football Association for improper conduct and/or using foul language toward referee Michael Oliver.

This came after a dramatic end to the Merseyside Derby, where a brawl broke out between players.

Curtis Jones of Liverpool and Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton were both sent off for their roles in the altercation.

Following the incident, both teams were also charged for failing to control their players, with Liverpool accepting the charge last week, which likely helped in securing a lighter punishment from the FA.

Slot Faces More Consequences After Prior Ban

This isn’t the first time this season that Slot has faced disciplinary action.

Earlier, he was banned for one game during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup match against Southampton, which Liverpool won.

During that match, Slot was forced to watch from the back of the press box.

Due to this previous ban, the FA treated this case as “non-standard,” meaning they had the discretion to impose a harsher punishment than in typical situations.

Fines for All Involved

Along with the touchline 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, with Everton fined £65,000 and Liverpool fined £50,000.

The FA’s actions have sent a clear message about the consequences of misconduct, especially in high-stakes, highly charged matches like the Merseyside Derby.