Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff have all been been charged following the chaotic Premier League fixture between the clubs on Wednesday. Following James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute equaliser, the 2-2 draw ended in a mass altercation between both sets of players at Goodison Park.
Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones were both sent off after the melee, while visiting head coach Slot and his assistant Hulshoff were also shown red cards.
The FA have now released a statement confirming the outcome of their investigation into the incident.
“It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way following the final whistle,” they said.
“The Liverpool manager allegedly acted in an improper manner 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 is alleged that Liverpool’s assistant manager acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official, which led to his dismissal. It is further alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off.”
The FA also confirmed that all four parties now have until Wednesday, February 19 to appeal against the charges. The development comes just hours after Slot admitted “emotions got the better of me” in his pre-match press conference for the his side’s game with Wolves on Sunday.
If found guilty, both the Dutchman and his assistant could face a touchline ban. Both clubs meanwhile, could be liable for large fines if deemed to have failed to have controlled their players.
Tarkowski’s late goal triggered wild celebrations from the home players and fans, with some supporters briefly running onto the pitch. At full time, Doucoure the pointedly celebrated in front of the away section, actions with angered Jones who reacted by running over and pushed his opponent.
Both players were then handed second yellow cards by referee Michael Oliver. That sparked confrontations between Oliver and both Slot and Hulshoff, although it was unclear what the pair said to the official.
The clash signified the last-ever Merseyside derby match to be played at Goodison Park. Next season, Everton will relocate to their new Stanley Park venue.
