FA make major Michael Oliver decision as Arne Slot receives extended ban for Merseyside derby controversy

The English Football Association have made a decision on Michael Oliver after Arne Slot was handed an extended ban.

On Wednesday night, Liverpool will return to Premier League action as they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield in a mouth-watering clash.

However, the Reds will not have Slot on the touchline after he was given a two-match ban for 'confronting' Oliver on the back of Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Everton.

Slot's assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, has also been banned for two matches, meaning Johnny Heitinga is likely to take charge against Newcastle and Southampton.

Prior to the announcement of Slot's ban, Oliver has been put in charge of this weekend's FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and Millwall.

He will be assisted by James Mainwaring and Steven Meredith with Nick Hopton on VAR, Mark Scholes is the assistant VAR and Michael Salisbury will be support VAR.

The FA are in charge of choosing referees for this weekend's fifth-round ties, with Simon Hooper taking the role of fourth official.

Regarding Slot and Hulshoff's ban, an official statement read: "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff in relation to the Premier League fixture between the clubs on Wednesday 12 February.

Michael Oliver will take charge of Crystal Palace vs Millwall in the FA Cup. Image: Getty

"It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way following the final whistle. It was alleged that the Liverpool head coach acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished. Arne Slot admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £70,000 fine. Sipke Hulshoff admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £7,000 fine."

Both Slot and Hulshoff will be back on the touchline for Liverpool's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at Wembley on March 16.