Liverpool’s Slot Starts Touchline Ban Tonight vs Newcastle | OneFootball

Arne Slot Banned for Two Matches After Red Card Incident

Liverpool Boss Hit with Suspension and Heavy Fine

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been handed a two-match touchline ban and a hefty £70,000 fine following his red card against Everton in the dramatic Merseyside derby earlier this month.

Slot was dismissed after confronting referee Michael Oliver in the aftermath of Everton’s 98th-minute equaliser, which saw Liverpool drop crucial points in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

The FA has now confirmed the severity of the punishment, and it extends beyond Slot himself—his assistant Sipke Hulshoff has also been banned for two matches and fined £7,000, while both Liverpool and Everton have been penalised for failing to control their players.

Heated Exchange Leads to Touchline Ban

Tensions flared when James Tarkowski found the back of the net deep into stoppage time, extending the game well beyond the originally allocated five minutes of injury time. A frustrated Slot approached the officials, with the Premier League later confirming that he was dismissed for using “offensive, insulting, or abusive language.”

His actions were part of a broader post-match fallout that saw tempers boil over, leading to charges for both clubs. On February 14, the FA charged:

– Liverpool and Everton for failing to control their players and staff.

– Arne Slot for acting in an improper manner and using abusive words towards match officials.

– Sipke Hulshoff for similar misconduct, both before and after his dismissal.

Given the serious nature of the charge, a formal hearing was conducted to determine the appropriate sanctions.

FA Confirms Punishment for Liverpool Manager

Respected journalist Paul Joyce revealed the final decision on Slot’s punishment, stating:

“Arne Slot will serve a two-match touchline ban beginning tonight v Newcastle United as punishment for confronting match officials following the Everton game.”

“Also fined £70,000. Assistant Sipke Hulshoff also banned for two matches and fined £7,000. Everton and Liverpool fined £65,000 and £50,000 respectively for failing to control players.”

This decision means Slot will miss two key games, starting with Liverpool’s clash against Newcastle.

FA Statement Outlines Reasons for Suspension

The FA released an official statement confirming the details of the disciplinary action, shedding further light on the independent Regulatory Commission’s ruling.

“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, 12 February.”

“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.”

“Everton and Liverpool admitted the charges, and the Regulatory Commission imposed £65,000 and £50,000 fines on them respectively following a hearing.”

The FA also confirmed that Slot’s charge related specifically to his conduct towards the match referee and an assistant referee after full-time, reinforcing the decision to issue a suspension.

The statement further detailed Hulshoff’s actions:

“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.”

The FA concluded by stating that the written reasons for these sanctions will be published in due course.

Slot’s Reaction to the Ban

Slot had previously admitted that his emotions got the better of him after the Everton result, explaining the frustration that led to his actions. Speaking two days after the match, he said:

“What happened was the extra time, [the] additional five times it ended up being eight [minutes], the emotions got the better of me. If I could do that differently, I am hoping to do it differently next time.”

While he has accepted the charge, Slot will no doubt feel the suspension comes at a critical point in Liverpool’s season as they battle for Premier League dominance and push for success on multiple fronts.

His absence from the touchline will test Liverpool’s ability to stay composed under pressure, with the Reds needing to maintain their momentum in the race for silverware.