Why Arne Slot was sent off against Everton and how many games Liverpool boss is banned for following red card

There was drama galore at the end of the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park as referee Michael Oliver handed out four red cards. Among those shown red was Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. Why was he sent off by Oliver? How many games will Slot now miss due to a ban? And why was he barred from talking to the media following the 2-2 draw with Everton?

A chaotic finale to the last ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park saw referee Michael Oliver hand out four red cards.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were both shown red cards by Oliver, along with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Slot was shown a red card immediately after an angry-looking handshake with Oliver.

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Slot was unable to give his side of the story as, following the red card, he was barred from taking part in the post-match press conference or speaking to TNT Sports.

With games coming thick and fast for title-chasing Liverpool, we explore the fallout after the red card chaos, including how many games Slot will miss and why was he unable to speak to the media following the match.

How many games will Slot miss?

The Premier League has not yet confirmed how many games Slot will be banned for.

A one-game ban was expected, but in a since-deleted section on the Premier League website, it said Slot would be given a two-match ban after being dismissed for "using offensive, insulting, or abusive language".

Liverpool's next fixture is a home Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, February 16, before a trip to Aston Villa on February 19.

Slot’s assistant Hulshoff is also facing a ban, meaning assistant coach John Heitinga is set to be the leading voice in the dugout against Wolves and potentially against Villa too.

After Villa, Liverpool face defending Premier League champions Manchester City on February 23.

Will Slot be at the stadium against Wolves?

If Slot is given a one-match ban, he will still be allowed at the stadium to watch the game against Wolves.

However, he will only be able to view the game from the director's box and will not be permitted in the dugout or allowed to communicate directly with players during the game - but he can speak to staff through a phone or other mobile communication.

He is also able to talk to the team in the dressing room before the game, at half-time, and after the full-time whistle.

• How chaotic Merseyside derby finale unfolded
• Ferdinand: Doucoure risked 'lighting the touchpaper'

This is set to be the second time Slot has been banned this season. He was also forced to watch from the stands for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton in December after receiving a third yellow card of the campaign in the 2-2 draw against Fulham.

Speaking at the time, he said the Premier League rules regarding manager bans are "lighter" than in the Netherlands, where he previously managed.

"If you are suspended in Holland, then you are not allowed to be in and around the dressing room, you cannot do the media as well.

Furious scrap after final whistle sees Jones and Doucoure sent off

Video credit: TNT Sports

"So, this is a lighter version of suspension I would say that I'm used to, but I've never been used to being suspended, so it's the first time I am.

"I think I'm still able to do the things I want to do. The moment you have less impact on your team is during the 45 minutes. 

"And the most impact you can have is at half-time or before the game – and those are the things I can do."

Why was Slot barred from press conference?

Slot was not able to speak to the media following his red card due to Premier League rules.

Introduced in 2023 as part of a charter to "promote responsible behaviour from players and coaches at matches", the rule states: "Occupants of the technical area who have been dismissed are not allowed to take a seat in the stand, return to the field of play post-match, or conduct any post-match media."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk did speak to TNT Sports, saying he "didn't think the ref had the game under control".

Van Dijk says derby is Everton’s 'cup final', says Doucoure 'provoked' Liverpool fans at end

Video credit: TNT Sports

Jones, Doucoure also facing bans

Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure are set to be banned this weekend.

The pair clashed after the final whistle as Doucoure celebrated Everton’s dramatic late draw in front of the Liverpool supporters.

Jones will be suspended for Liverpool’s match against Wolves and Doucoure will miss Everton’s trip to Crystal Palace.

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