Arne Slot’s red card in the 2-2 draw with Everton will see him suspended for Liverpool’s next two Premier League matches, rather than a one-match ban. Sources now clarify that the Premier League’s initial update was incorrect, with any sanctions pending the FA’s review of Michael Oliver’s official match report.
Incident and Suspension
Slot was sent off after the final whistle at Goodison Park for “offensive, insulting, or abusive language” during a handshake with referee Michael Oliver. The referee also dismissed Slot’s assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, along with players Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure. While it was initially anticipated that Slot would receive a one-match suspension, the Premier League confirmed that the ban will extend to two fixtures. As a result, Slot will miss the home game against Wolves on Sunday and the trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Previous Suspension and Potential Appeal
This suspension follows Slot’s earlier one-match ban in December for accumulating three yellow cards, which saw him absent for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Southampton. It remains unclear whether Hulshoff will face the same two-match ban, but he is expected to be available for the match at Villa Park on February 19. Liverpool could still appeal the red cards shown to Slot and Hulshoff, although an appeal could risk additional sanctions.
Temporary Leadership Change
Due to his red card, Slot was unable to conduct his usual post-match interviews following the derby at Goodison Park, including the press conference. However, he is expected to return to press duties for Liverpool’s preview of the Wolves match. For now, assistant coach John Heitinga, a former Everton player, is set to take charge for the upcoming fixture at Anfield.
