Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been charged with improper conduct after a heated exchange with match officials during Wednesday’s Merseyside derby against Everton.
Slot received a red card at the final whistle after confronting referee Michael Oliver over a controversial decision in the 2-2 draw. Liverpool players and coaches were upset that Everton’s last-minute equaliser by James Tarkowski was allowed, despite claims that Toffees striker Beto pushed Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate before the goal.
The Football Association accused Slot of behaving improperly and using abusive language toward both the referee and an assistant referee. His assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, was also dismissed in the heated argument.
According to an FA statement, both Liverpool and Everton face additional charges for their players and coaching staff behaving in a provocative manner after the match.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure were also sent off after the game. Jones pushed Doucoure in anger after the Everton player celebrated in front of Liverpool fans.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Slot admitted he should have handled the situation better.
“Emotions got the better of me. If I could do that differently, I would. I hope to react better next time,” he said.
Despite the charges, Slot and Hulshoff will be available for Liverpool’s next Premier League match against Wolves on Sunday, as they have until Wednesday to respond to the FA’s accusations.
Everton manager David Moyes defended Slot, saying his reaction showed his passion for his team.
“I feel for Arne Slot. When I was younger, I used to get involved in similar things,” Moyes said. “It shows he cares about his club and is fighting for his players. With time, you learn to step back, but we all have to fight our battles.”
The match was the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before Everton moves to a new stadium, and tensions were high throughout the game.
