Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been handed a touchline ban and slapped with a heavy fine by the Football Association.
The Dutchman has been banned for two matches and fined £70,000 after admitting a charge of improper conduct relating to his behaviour in the 2-2 draw against Everton on February 12.
Slot was sent off after the final whistle after walking onto the pitch to confront referee Michael Oliver, where he was spotted by TV cameras grabbing the official’s hand and exchanging words.
The game finished in controversial circumstances after James Tarkowski’s late equaliser was allowed to stand following a long VAR check. Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff protested furiously, while Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones were shown red cards for sparking a huge brawl on the pitch.
Slot and Hulshoff will both be suspended for two games as a result of the charge as the FA confirmed the independent Regulatory Commission’s punishment in a statement released on Tuesday.
It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff in relation to the Premier League fixture between the clubs on Wednesday, February 12. It was 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.
“It was alleged that the Liverpool head coach 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.
“Arne Slot admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £70,000 fine.
“It was alleged that the Liverpool assistant head coach 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 was 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. Sipke Hulshoff admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £7,000 fine.”
Everton and Liverpool also admitted charges levelled against them, and the Regulatory Commission imposed £65,000 and £50,000 fines on them respectively following a hearing.
It is the second time this season that the 46-year-old will be prohibited from taking his place on the touchline. He was suspended for one game after accumulating three bookings, missing their victory over Tottenham back in December.
The suspension begins immediately, which means neither Slot nor Hulshoff will not be allowed in the dugout for the Reds’ next two fixtures against Newcastle and Southampton. Liverpool coach John Heitinga, one of Slot’s assistant coaches, is poised to step in and take charge of the team tonight at Anfield as they take on the Magpies.
Slot revealed he had some regret about how he acted towards Oliver after admitting that his emotions boiled over during the fiery Merseyside derby clash.
He said: “What happened was the extra time additional five minutes it ended up being eight, the emotions got the better of me. If I could do that differently, I am hoping to do it differently next time as well. Emotions got the better of me and I would love to go back and do it differently. I hope to next time.”
