Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Awaits Disciplinary Action Following Everton Derby Drama

Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces an anxious wait to learn the extent of his ban after being sent off in the aftermath of Wednesday’s heated Merseyside derby against Everton. The match, which ended in a 2-2 draw thanks to James Tarkowski’s goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time, was marred by ugly scenes following the final whistle.

Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones were both shown red cards for second bookable offences after a melee ensued when Doucouré appeared to celebrate in front of Liverpool supporters. Jones reacted angrily and confronted the Everton player, leading to the unsavory incident.

Slot approached referee Michael Oliver after the altercation, shaking his hand and appearing to say something, which prompted Oliver to immediately produce another red card. Liverpool assistant manager Spike Hulshoff was also sent off during the fracas.

Unlike players, there is no automatic suspension for a manager who has been dismissed, and any sanction must come via a Football Association (FA) charge. The FA has until Monday to communicate the charge to Liverpool, who will then have three business days to submit a response. The FA is allowed a further three days to issue a reply.

As a result, Slot is expected to be on the touchline for Liverpool’s next two games, a home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday and a trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday. The severity of the disciplinary action will depend on the content of Slot’s words to Oliver and the referee’s report. An extended touchline ban can be imposed by a Regulatory Commission if the misconduct is deemed serious enough to warrant further measures.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to TNT Sports after the game, criticized Oliver’s handling of the match, stating, “Obviously you saw how they celebrated the goal, and they have every right to. I think Doucouré in the end wanted to provoke our fans and Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do and obviously you know what happens when there is a tussle. I think the ref didn’t have the game under control in my opinion … Both teams have to deal with it. It is what it is. We just need to move on.”

While Slot was unable to give his reaction due to being barred from media duties following a red card, Jones will automatically be banned from the Wolves game, and Doucouré will be suspended for Everton’s visit to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Both clubs also face a potential FA charge for failing to control their players.

The incident has added further drama to what was already a highly-charged Merseyside derby, the last to be played at Goodison Park before Everton’s move to a new stadium. As the dust settles, both Slot and Liverpool will be eagerly awaiting the FA’s decision on any potential disciplinary action.