Liverpool coach's divisive six-word tweet about Everton resurfaces as he replaces Arne Slot for Newcastle game
Liverpool coach John Heitinga's controversial six-word tweet has resurfaced after it was confirmed he would replace Arne Slot on the touchline.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the FA confirmed that both Slot and assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff had been suspended for two matches due to their behaviour after the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The Liverpool boss and his assistant will therefore miss both tonight's match against Newcastle United and the game against Southampton on March 8, with assistant first-team coach Heitinga instead taking charge.
But ahead of his first match on the touchline for Liverpool, some of Heitinga's old social media posts have resurfaced, and Liverpool fans will not be happy.
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Before Heitinga joined Slot at Liverpool this season, he spent a year serving as David Moyes' assistant manager at West Ham United, but this wasn't his first time in the Premier League.
During his career as a player, Heitinga represented both Fulham and Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton, who he played for five years between 2009 and 2014.
And as soon as it was confirmed that the Dutchman would be on the touchline for Liverpool on Wednesday, fans found old some embarrassing old posts about his time with the Toffees.
Posting in 2019, the Liverpool coach wrote: "Once a Blue always a blue."
The former defender was replying to a post from Everton wishing him a happy birthday, but his choice of words will surely upset some Liverpool fans.
It's not the first time that Heitinga has posted about his love for Everton, as before the 2016 Merseyside derby he posted on social media to voice his support for his former team, writing: "Happy to support Everton tonight in the Merseyside derby. Game of the year! Once a Blue, always a Blue."
Liverpool went on to win the match at Goodison Park 1-0, with the winning goal scored in the 94th minute by club legend Sadio Mane.
In total, Heitinga made 140 appearances during his time at Everton, establishing himself as a popular favourite among the fans.
He later spent time with Fulham, making just 14 appearances, and Hertha Berlin, before returning to boyhood club Ajax at the end of his playing career.
Topics: Liverpool, Everton, Premier League, Football, Arne Slot
Ben McCrum