How about that for your first Merseyside Derby experience?
Arne Slot has operated in contrast to his fist-pumping, heart-on-sleeve-wearing predecessor since taking the Liverpool job; manifesting the aura of a stoic.
Goodison Park, however, brought out a different side. The 2-2 draw between the eternal Merseyside rivals boasted the most thrilling finale on Goodison’s final hosting of the derby. James Tarkowski’s thunderous volley stole a couple of points away from the league leaders, with Everton’s point confirmed after a nervy VAR wait which Slot felt should’ve gone in Liverpool’s favour.
The scenes post-match were nothing short of heritage, and amongst it all, Liverpool’s cool-headed boss saw red – quite literally. A touchline ban has now arrived, meaning there will be a new face in charge in the dugout.
Slot was furious after the full-time whistle, believing that Everton’s dramatic late equaliser shouldn’t have stood. There was a tight offside call in the build-up, but it was Beto’s push on Ibrahima Konate that Slot felt warranted a free-kick.
The Dutchman sought answers from referee Michael Oliver, but an aggressive handshake – think a tamer version of the Carl Froch/George Groves debacle – forced Oliver to his pocket and sent Slot off. The Liverpool manager doubtlessly had a few things to say, too, with his tirade reportedly laden with sarcasm.
The FA deliberated over their punishment for Slot for a good couple of weeks, eventually deciding that the Dutchman will serve a two-game touchline ban in addition to receiving a £70,000 fine. The same ban will also be in effect for assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff.
“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,” an FA spokesperson statement outlined.
“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.”
Slot’s touchline ban crucially only applies to domestic fixtures, meaning he will be in the dugout for the first leg of Liverpool’s Champions League round of 16 clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Newcastle United and Southampton are the two opponents who will benefit from Slot’s absence in the technical area, with the former Feyenoord boss returning to lead his side for the Carabao Cup final against, coincidentally, Newcastle.
That game takes place on Sunday 16 March with a 16:30 GMT kick-off at Wembley Stadium.
Former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga, another one of Slot’s assistants, will fill the void in the dugout. The 41-year-old has managerial experience with Jong Ajax and Ajax before serving as David Moyes’ assistant at West Ham. He moved to Liverpool in the summer to join Slot’s staff.
Heitinga will have no direct communication with Slot while he serves his touchline ban, although information can move indirectly between players/staff and the manager via phone or a ‘runner’. Slot is banned from the touchline from two hours before kick-off, won’t be able to oversee any of the warm-up, but can talk to his players from inside the dressing room.
