Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Assistant Hit with Touchline Bans After Merseyside Derby Referee Spat

Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Hit with Two-Match Touchline Ban After Merseyside Derby Incident
By Lewis Steele | Published: 10:45 GMT, 26 February 2025

Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be relegated to the stands for his team’s next two matches after receiving a touchline ban for his heated confrontation with referee Michael Oliver during last month’s Merseyside Derby. The Football Association (FA) confirmed the disciplinary action, which also includes assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff, following an investigation into the post-match chaos at Goodison Park.

Key Details of the Incident

• Slot was shown a straight red card after aggressively challenging Oliver’s decisions during the 2-2 draw against Everton, which ended in a player brawl.
• Both Slot and Hulshoff accepted charges of improper conduct and using foul language.
• Liverpool and Everton were fined £50,000 and £65,000, respectively, for failing to control their players during the clash.

Suspended Duo and Replacement
With Slot and Hulshoff barred from the touchline, former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga is expected to lead Liverpool in their upcoming fixtures, including Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle. Slot previously served a touchline ban earlier this season during a Carabao Cup match against Southampton, where he watched from the press box.

FA’s Ruling and Fines
The FA treated Slot’s case as “non-standard” due to his prior suspension, handing down a harsher penalty. He was fined £70,000, while Hulshoff received a £7,000 penalty. Liverpool avoided further repercussions by promptly accepting the charges.

[Image Caption: Arne Slot confronts referee Michael Oliver during the fiery Merseyside Derby.]
[Image Caption: Liverpool’s assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff (left) will also serve a touchline ban.]

Fallout from the Derby
The match saw Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure sent off for their roles in the fracas. While Liverpool remain atop the Premier League, the suspensions add pressure ahead of critical fixtures. Heitinga, who joined Slot’s staff in 2024, now faces a high-stakes managerial test.

Slot expressed regret over the incident, stating, “Emotions run high in derbies, but I must set a better example.” The FA emphasized respect for officials in their verdict, signaling stricter enforcement of touchline conduct rules.

What’s Next for Liverpool?
The Reds’ resilience will be tested without their head coach on the sidelines. Fans will hope the bans don’t disrupt their title chase, with crucial matches against Newcastle and Manchester United looming.

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Stay tuned for further developments as Liverpool navigate their busy schedule amid mounting disciplinary scrutiny.