Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Everton, Arne Slot, Champions League
A new report has provided further insight into why Arne Slot was sent off in the aftermath of Wednesday's Merseyside derby – and it wasn't because of his so-called "aggressive" handshake.
In the final stages of last night's Premier League clash at Goodison Park, Everton captain James Tarkowski volleyed home to salvage a dramatic point for the Toffees.
After a lengthy VAR check, Arne Slot and a handful of Liverpool players felt aggrieved by the outcome as they felt Ibrahima Konate had been fouled in the build-up to Tarkowski's 98th minute equaliser.
In fact, such was his frustration at the incident, Slot was sent off by referee Michael Oliver – just moments after shaking hands with the official in a sarcastic and aggressive manner.
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Many assumed the handshake was the sole reason for his dismissal but now, a report from the Daily Mail has suggested otherwise.
Slot is believed to have approached Oliver at the final whistle as he felt there was a push on Konate in the build-up.
But rather than the handshake, sources who were 'in spitting distance' of the event at Goodison claim Slot was punished for two separate 'rants' that Oliver believed warranted a red card.
At the time of writing, the FA are reviewing the incident involving Slot and Oliver, as well as other match footage, to determine whether the Dutchman should be charged or not.
There was confusion on Thursday morning when the Premier League announced on its website that the Liverpool manager would be handed a two-match suspension. This, however, was a mistake, and human error was to blame.
Slot's assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, was also sent in the aftermath of Wednesday's game and could serve a touchline ban.
Although the language Slot used has yet to be disclosed, professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman has told SPORTbible what the 46-year-old supposedly said to officials in an uncharacteristic outburst.
"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".
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 manager 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?"
Thoughts on the incident? Let us know in the comments.
