Liverpool missed the chance to extend their Premier League title lead to nine points after being held to a 2-2 draw at arch rivals Everton.
On a chaotic and historic night at Goodison Park, Liverpool’s long-awaited game in hand only yielded a point, which establishes a seven-point title lead over second place Arsenal with all teams now on 24 matches played.
However, frustration over a draw on the blue side of Merseyside was just one point of irritation for Arne Slot and his players, after angry scenes at full-time.
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Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure’s dash to celebrate James Tarkowski’s added time equaliser in front of the travelling Liverpool fans at the final whistle which triggered an on-pitch melee.
Doucoure was sent off for his actions, alongside Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, who sprinted over to confront the Mali international.
Slot was also shown a red card by match referee Michael Oliver following a forceful exchange with the officials and the Dutchman now faces a ban.
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With tension high, and Liverpool now moving on in the title race, The Sporting News breaks down the key details of what comes next for Slot.
Why was Arne Slot sent off?
Slot marched across the pitch at Goodison Park to remonstrate with Oliver at the end of the game. The Liverpool boss was unhappy with a host of late decisions that went against his team in the build-up to Tarkowski’s equaliser.
As the former Feyenoord coach finished speaking to Oliver and his assistant, he appeared to engage in an aggressive handshake with the former, who showed him a post-game red card.
A rapid update from the Premier League has confirmed a two-game touchline ban for Slot for ‘using offensive, insulting, or abusive language towards a match official’.
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What games will Arne Slot miss?
The Premier League’s decision to give Slot a two-game ban instead of the standard one-match indicates their view over the severity of his actions.
Slot will miss the home clash with Wolves on February 16 and the trip to Aston Villa on February 19.
Jones is also banned for the Wolves game, after being shown a second yellow card at Everton, and the England international is unlikely to appeal.
Who will replace Slot?
As Slot and assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff were both sent off at Everton, with the latter at least missing the Wolves fixture, a change is needed.
Liverpool are yet to confirm their plans, but the most likely choice to manage the team in the coming games, is former Everton defender Jonathan Heitinga.
Heitinga, who made 87 international appearances for the Netherlands international team, joined Slot’s coaching staff when he took over at Anfield last summer.
Rules on touchline bans state Slot ‘cannot communicate directly with his staff or players during the next two matches’ – he can do so via mobile phone – but he can hold a pre-match, half-time and post-match team talk to his players in the dressing room.
Is Slot banned for Champions League games?
Premier League bans do not carry into the UEFA Champions League and Slot will not miss Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on March 16.
Liverpool have already reached the Champions League Round of 16 knockouts – without the need for a playoff – and they will learn their opponents in the draw on February 21.
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