Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that his emotions got the better of him during the heated Merseyside derby against Everton, leading to his dismissal by referee Michael Oliver. The match, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, saw late-game tensions escalate after Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a stoppage-time equalizer.
Slot received a red card after the full-time whistle following a confrontation with the referee. Reflecting on the incident, the Dutchman stated, “The emotions got the better of me. If I could do that differently, if I look back, I would love to do that differently.” He acknowledged that managing his reactions better in the future is something he needs to work on.
Due to Premier League regulations, Slot was barred from conducting post-match interviews following his dismissal. Instead, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk faced the media. Despite the red card, Slot remains eligible to be on the touchline for Liverpool’s upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers while the Football Association (FA) reviews the incident.
FA Yet to Decide on Further Punishment
The Football Association is currently reviewing Michael Oliver’s match report before deciding whether Slot will face additional disciplinary action. Initially, the Premier League’s website erroneously reported that Slot had been handed a two-match ban for “using offensive, insulting, or abusive language,” but the post was later deleted, with officials citing human error.
Liverpool have voiced their frustration over the match’s officiating, particularly the decision to allow Everton’s late equalizer. The club believes that Tarkowski’s goal should have been ruled out for an alleged shove on defender Ibrahima Konaté in the build-up. Slot also criticized the extended stoppage time, pointing out that the initial five minutes added ended up stretching to eight.
“I should have acted differently after the game, but it’s an emotional sport and sometimes individuals make wrong decisions,” Slot admitted, acknowledging that his reaction crossed the line. His assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, was also sent off during the chaotic ending.
Curtis Jones and Doucouré’s Dismissals Add to Drama
The fiery conclusion to the match saw Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré both sent off after a post-game altercation. Doucouré had celebrated in front of the Liverpool away fans, provoking a reaction from Jones, which led to a scuffle between players from both sides.
Slot defended Jones but emphasized the importance of handling emotions better. “I like a lot that he stands up for the team, but there are also other ways for the team and fans to do that,” he said. “I will talk with him about that, just as I need to reflect on my own actions.”
Jones and Doucouré received second yellow cards for their involvement in the melee, capping off an already controversial night. Despite the setback, Liverpool remain seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with 14 games left in Slot’s debut season as manager.
Moyes Backs Slot: ‘It Shows He Cares’
Everton manager David Moyes expressed sympathy for Slot, recalling how he himself had similar experiences as a younger coach. “It was an emotional night for everybody. I feel a bit for Arne Slot because this is the thing—when I was a younger manager, I was always getting involved in heated things,” Moyes said.
Moyes, who returned to Goodison Park in January, has steered Everton 10 points clear of relegation. The dramatic draw against Liverpool followed a strong run of three consecutive league wins, boosting their survival hopes.
While recognizing Slot’s misstep, Moyes suggested that such passion is a reflection of his commitment to Liverpool. “It shows he cares about his club and he’s fighting for his players,” he noted, adding that managing emotions on the sidelines is a challenge every top manager faces.
Racist Abuse Against Doucouré Sparks Investigation
In the aftermath of the derby, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré became the target of racist abuse on social media. Both Everton and Liverpool have strongly condemned the abuse, and Merseyside Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
Moyes confirmed that Doucouré is coping well but expressed his disappointment over the midfielder’s red card. “He’s fine. I was disappointed that he got himself sent off. The club will look at the situation here as we go along,” Moyes said. “But that still doesn’t mean people can abuse you, and if they have, it’s completely wrong.”
Everton’s preparations for their next match against Crystal Palace have also been hampered by an injury to forward Iliman Ndiaye, who suffered a medial ligament injury in the derby. Moyes confirmed that Ndiaye will be sidelined for several weeks, a significant blow as Everton continue their fight to climb further up the table.
As Liverpool and Everton move forward from the chaotic derby, both clubs are focused on their next fixtures—Liverpool aiming to maintain their title push and Everton seeking to build on their recent resurgence while addressing the off-field controversy.
