February 27 – Liverpool stretched their lead at the top of the English Premier League to 13 points on Wednesday – without manager Arne Slot on the sideline.
Ahead of the league leaders 2-0 win over Newcastle United, Slot was banned from the touchline for two games and given a hefty fine for his behaviour in the recent Merseyside derby.
James Tarkowski’s equaliser for Everton deep into stoppage time in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on February 12 provoked chaotic scenes.
Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were sent off by referee Michael Oliver, along with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré.
The English Football Association issued a statement on Wednesday saying an independent regulatory commission had sanctioned Everton, Liverpool, Slot and 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,” it said.
“Arne Slot admitted the charge, and the regulatory commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £70,000 fine.”
In addition, Everton have been fined £65,000 and Liverpool £50,000.
Slot and Hulshoff were both dismissed after approaching Oliver following the final whistle. Speaking about the incident at a press conference two days later, Slot admitted his emotions had got the better of him and he had “made the wrong decision”.
“I should have acted differently after the game, but it’s an emotional sport and sometimes individuals make wrong decisions and that’s definitely what I did,” the Dutchman said.
Slot’s ban also covers Liverpool’s home fixture against Southampton on March 8. Since it is for domestic games only, he will be allowed in the technical area when Liverpool visit Paris Saint-Germain for the first leg of their last-16 tie on March 5. He will also be on the touchline for Liverpool’s League Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley on March 16.
Contact the writer of this story, Andrew Warshaw, at moc.l1740660170labto1740660170ofdlr1740660170owedi1740660170sni@w1740660170ahsra1740660170w.wer1740660170dna1740660170