Liverpool Manager Arne Slot to Serve Two-Match Touchline Ban Following Everton Referee Fallout

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been handed a two-match touchline ban and a £70,000 fine.

The sanction is a result of his actions at the end of the heated Merseyside derby against Everton on February 12.

The FA confirmed that Slot was charged with improper conduct after confronting referee Michael Oliver in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Handed Two-Game Suspension

The match against Everton ended in chaos, with tempers flaring between players and coaching staff from both sides.

Referee Michael Oliver was at the center of the storm, having sent off Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Liverpool assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff in the immediate post-match fallout.

Slot, visibly incensed by the officiating, approached Oliver at the final whistle, exchanging heated words before offering what was described as an ‘aggressive handshake.’

Oliver responded by issuing a straight red card to the Dutch manager.

Arne Slot will serve a two-match touchline ban beginning tonight v Newcastle United as punishment for confronting match officials following Everton game. Also fined £70,000. Assistant Sipke Hulshoff also banned for two matches and fined £7,000.
Everton and Liverpool fined £65,000…

— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) February 26, 2025

FA Charges and Regulatory Commission Decision

Following the incident, both Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were charged by the FA and referred to an independent regulatory commission.

The FA’s statement outlined that Slot was penalised for acting in an improper manner and for using insulting or abusive words toward both the match referee and an assistant referee.

“Arne Slot itted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and a £70,000 fine,” the FA confirmed.

Hulshoff, meanwhile, was fined £7,000 and also received a two-game ban for his involvement.

Liverpool have yet to issue an official statement on the punishment, but reports suggest that the club will accept the decision without appeal.

Everton and Liverpool have both been fined £65,000 and £50,000, respectively, for failing to control their players in the heated aftermath.

What Games Will Slot Miss?

With the ban confirmed, Slot will miss Liverpool’s next two fixtures, starting with Wednesday night’s Premier League clash with Newcastle at Anfield.

The Dutchman will then miss the following Premier League game against Southampton on Saturday, 8 March.

Both he and his assistant will, however, be able to manage the Champions League clash with PSG in between these two fixtures from the tocuhline.