Liverpool learn Arne Slot ban for Merseyside derby referee spat
- Arne Slot was charged for "improper" behaviour after arguing with referee Michael Oliver
- Liverpool's assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff will also be banned
- Both Liverpool and Everton were also fined
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff have both been handed two-match touchline bans and fined by the English Football Association (FA) for "improper behaviour" after the final whistle of the recent Merseyside derby draw with Everton.
Slot was spotted engaging in a heated discussion with referee Michael Oliver in the aftermath of a controversy-ridden 2-2 draw with Everton two weeks ago. Much like his assistant, the Liverpool head coach was charged with acting "in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour" towards the referee.
On top of the two-match suspension, which begins with a visit from Newcastle United on Wednesday and finishes against Southampton on Saturday 8 March, Slot was fined £70,000. Liverpool as a club were also slapped with a £50,000 fine for failing to control their employees, while Everton accepted the same charge and collected a £65,000 bill.
The FA's full statement released on Wednesday morning reads: "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff [Liverpool assistant manager] in relation to the Premier League fixture between the clubs on Wednesday 12 February.
"It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way following the final whistle. Everton and Liverpool admitted the charges, and the Regulatory Commission imposed £65,000 and £50,000 fines on them respectively following a hearing.
"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. Arne Slot admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £70,000 fine.
"It was alleged that the Liverpool assistant head coach acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official, which led to his dismissal. It was further alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off. Sipke Hulshoff admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £7,000 fine.
"The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for these sanctions will be published in due course."
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