Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been hit with a two-match touchline ban and a £70,000 fine after launching a furious post-match tirade at referee Michael Oliver.
Slot in his outburst told the official: “If we don’t win the league, I’ll [expletive] blame you.”
The Dutchman lost his cool after Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 Merseyside derby draw against Everton last month,
Storming onto the pitch to confront Oliver and his assistant referee over what he believed were unfair decisions.
The fallout has now resulted in serious disciplinary action against Slot.
The Fiery Exchange That Shook the Premier League
Following the chaotic derby at Goodison Park—where Everton’s 98th-minute equalizer was controversially allowed to stand after a VAR check—Slot made his anger known directly to Oliver.
While shaking hands with the official, the Liverpool boss allegedly said:
“If we don’t win the league, I’ll [expletive] blame you.”
Slot has since disputed the wording of his remark, claiming instead that he told Oliver:
“If we don’t win the league, I will have you to thank for that.”
However, an independent Football Association (FA) commission ruled that it was “more likely than not” that Slot used the stronger language Oliver reported.
Regardless of the exact wording, the FA maintained that Slot’s conduct was improper and warranted punishment.
More Explosive Accusations
Slot’s frustrations didn’t end there. The FA report also stated that he called the assistant referee a “[expletive] disgrace” and accused Oliver of bias by shouting:
“You [expletive] give them everything. I hope you’re proud of that performance.”
Although Slot later apologized, both publicly and privately, the damage was done.
The FA initially considered a £100,000 fine but reduced it due to Slot’s swift acceptance of the charge and his previously clean record.
Liverpool’s Fury Boils Over
Slot’s assistant coach, Sipke Hulshoff, was also caught up in the chaos, receiving a two-match touchline ban and a £7,000 fine for his own heated exchange with Oliver.
The FA accused Hulshoff of approaching the referee “in an extremely aggressive manner” and calling him a “[expletive] disgrace.”
The tension between the two clubs extended beyond the managers, as both Liverpool and Everton were charged with failing to control their players after an on-field melee at the final whistle.
The chaos began when Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans, sparking an altercation with Curtis Jones. Both players received second yellow cards and were sent off.
Slot Admits He Lost Control
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, Slot expressed regret over his actions:
“The moment it happened, I was quite emotional [about] everything that happened in the game.”
“I chose to go on the pitch instead of staying calm and staying inside to talk to Michael [Oliver].”
“I don’t have these emotions now, so I should set a better example.”
Liverpool were furious that Everton’s last-minute goal stood despite what they saw as a foul by Beto on Ibrahima Konaté in the build-up.
What’s Next for Slot and Liverpool?
Slot will now serve his two-match touchline ban, meaning he won’t be on the sidelines for Liverpool’s next domestic games.
His first match back in the dugout will be the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on March 16, a crucial game that could see him lift his first trophy as Liverpool manager.
Liverpool, currently 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League, will also have a chance for revenge when they host Everton in the return leg at Anfield on April 2.
