Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Banned for Two Matches Over Referee Outburst
Arne Slot was sent off by Michael Oliver after the full-time whistle

Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Banned for Two Matches Over Referee Outburst

Slot Blames Referee for Title Race, Accepts FA Charge

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been handed a two-match ban and a £70,000 fine after a heated exchange with referee Michael Oliver following last month’s 2-2 Merseyside derby draw with Everton.

The Dutchman confronted Oliver after the match and was shown a straight red card for improper conduct and abusive language.


What Happened?

Slot’s Alleged Comment to Oliver:
“If we don’t win the league, I’ll [expletive] blame you.”

Slot’s Defense:
“I actually said, ‘If we don’t win the league, I will have you to thank for that.'”

FA’s Ruling:

  • The commission found it “more likely than not” that Slot used the language alleged by the referee.
  • The FA deemed the wording discrepancy irrelevant, as both versions constituted improper conduct.
  • Slot also admitted calling the assistant referee a “[expletive] disgrace”.

Slot’s fine was reduced from £100,000 due to mitigating factors, including:
His public & private apologies
Early admission of the charge
No previous record of misconduct


Additional Punishments

Liverpool Assistant Sipke Hulshoff
Two-match ban & £7,000 fine for an “extremely aggressive approach” towards Oliver.

Liverpool & Everton
Both clubs charged for failing to control their players after Everton’s 98th-minute equalizer sparked a melee.


When Will Slot Return?

Suspended for:
Liverpool’s Champions League first-leg match vs. PSG
Next Premier League fixture

First match back:
Carabao Cup Final vs. Newcastle – March 16


What’s Next for Liverpool?

Liverpool vs. PSG – Champions League Last 16
Carabao Cup Final vs. Newcastle – March 16
Merseyside Derby (Anfield) – April 2

Will Slot’s absence affect Liverpool’s title charge and European campaign?

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