Premier League confirm Arne Slot’s punishment for Michael Oliver incident

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been handed an extended ban after being sent off minutes after his team conceded a last-gasp equaliser in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

The Reds were leading 2-1 going into the dying minutes, but were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after Everton skipper James Tarkowski popped up with a thunderous volley.

In what was an eventful match, Liverpool players and staff were furious as they felt Ibrahima Konate had been fouled in the build-up to the equaliser, though VAR did not intervene and gave the goal.

Slot was furious on the touchline and protested to the officials and after the game, both he and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were sent off after the final whistle.

The Premier League have now explained why Slot was shown a red card and confirmed he will serve a two-game touchline ban.

Arne Slot shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver at the end of the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

In a statement, the Premier League said: “Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was dismissed at the end of the Merseyside derby for using offensive, insulting, or abusive language. He is handed a two-match touchline ban as a result.”

The use of abusive language is said to be what has brought the additional one-game ban and a two-match suspension would mean Slot is absent from the bench for upcoming games against Wolves and Aston Villa, though he will be able to return to the dugout for the trip to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on 23 February.

With Hulshoff also being sent off, it appears as though former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga will take charge of the Reds.

Despite the draw against Everton, Liverpool are seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after 24 games played.