Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admitted his emotions got the better of him after receiving a red card in Wednesday’s Merseyside derby against Everton. The Dutch manager, 46, confronted referee Michael Oliver on the pitch following the final whistle at Goodison Park and was sent off as a result.
Everton secured a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer in a 2-2 draw that also saw Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones dismissed post-match. Speaking on Friday about the events that led to his sending-off, Slot said, “There is an ongoing process now and I have to respect that.”
Slot acknowledged he would handle the situation differently in hindsight, stating, “Emotions got the better of me. If I look back, I would love to do that differently, and I hope to do that differently next time.”
FA reviews Slot’s case amid initial ban confusion
As it stands, Slot is expected to be on the touchline for Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League clash with Wolves at Anfield on Sunday (14:00 GMT). The Football Association is reviewing Oliver’s report before deciding on any further disciplinary action.
A post on the Premier League website initially claimed that Slot had received a two-match ban for using “offensive, insulting, or abusive language,” but this was later removed. Reports indicate the incorrect post was due to human error.
Liverpool were frustrated with James Tarkowski’s late equalizer, arguing that Ibrahima Konate was pushed in the lead-up to the goal. Although the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the incident, the goal stood. Slot also expressed dissatisfaction with the additional stoppage time, noting that what was initially five minutes stretched to eight. “I should have acted differently after the game, but it’s an emotional sport, and sometimes individuals make mistakes – mine included,” he admitted. His assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, was also dismissed.
Curtis Jones was shown a second yellow card after reacting to Doucoure’s celebrations in front of the Liverpool supporters. “I appreciate that he stands up for the team, but there are other ways to do that,” Slot commented. “I will talk to him about it, just as I should have acted differently myself.”
Liverpool lead the Premier League by seven points ahead of Arsenal with 14 matches remaining in Slot’s debut season at the helm.
Moyes expresses understanding for Slot’s situation
Everton manager David Moyes sympathized with Slot’s reaction in the heated contest. Moyes, who took charge of Everton in January and has since helped steer the club 10 points clear of relegation, acknowledged the emotional intensity of the match.
“It was a charged night for everyone. I feel for Arne Slot because, as a young manager, I often found myself in similar situations,” said the 61-year-old. “It shows he cares about his club and is fighting for his players.”
Following the match, Everton midfielder Doucoure became the target of racist abuse on social media, prompting Merseyside Police to launch an investigation. Moyes condemned the abuse, saying, “He’s fine, but I was disappointed he got sent off. The club will assess the situation. Still, there’s no justification for abuse, and if he has received it, it is completely unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, Everton face a setback as forward Iliman Ndiaye, the team’s leading scorer this season, suffered a medial ligament injury during the derby. Moyes confirmed that while the full extent of the injury is uncertain, Ndiaye will be sidelined for several weeks.
