Josh Lawless
Arne Slot has been handed an extended ban after being sent off minutes after Liverpool conceded a last-gasp equaliser in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
With Liverpool leading 2-1 going into the dying embers, Everton skipper James Tarkowski popped up with a thunderous volley to claim a point in a wild finale on Wednesday night.
Liverpool were aggrieved as they felt Ibrahima Konate had been fouled in the build-up to the equaliser, though VAR did not intervene and gave the goal.
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Slot was furious on the touchline and protested to the officials and after the game, both he and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were sent off after the final whistle along with players Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure for their skirmish.
The Dutchman was seen venting while shaking hands with referee Michael Oliver in an animated fashion and his dismissal meant Premier League rules prevented him participate in any post-match media duties.
The Premier League have now explained why Slot was shown a red card and confirmed he will serve a two-game touchline ban.
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In a statement, the Premier League said: "Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was dismissed at the end of the Merseyside derby for using offensive, insulting, or abusive language. He is handed a two-match touchline ban as a result."
The use of abusive language is said to be what has brought the additional one-game ban and a two-match suspension would mean Slot is absent from the bench for upcoming games against Wolves and Aston Villa, though he will be able to return to the dugout for the trip to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on 23 February.
With Hulshoff also being sent off, it appears as though former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga will take charge of the Reds.
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However, there has been confusion as it has since been reported by multiple journalists that the Premier League made an error in stating Slot would be serving a two-game ban.
It has not been officially disclosed what language Slot used but professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman has told SPORTbible what Slot supposedly said to the officials in an outburst that appeared out of character for him.
"That’s not a push? It’s a f**king disgrace... if you go and watch that again," Slot is said to have shouted at one assistant referee, before telling the other, "Well done".
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Prior to a handshake with Oliver, the Dutchman sarcastically told the referee: "Great game."
Slot was shown a red card and while captain Virgil van Dijk got involved, the former Feyenoord boss added: "Sure, you give me a red for that? I will check it out for later... me and you yeah? Sure give me a red card... we'll talk after?"
Liverpool are seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after 24 games played.