A new report has shed more light on why Arne Slot was sent off after Wednesday’s Merseyside derby—and it wasn’t due to his “aggressive” handshake.
In the final moments of the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Everton captain James Tarkowski scored a dramatic equalizer for the Toffees.
Following an extended VAR review, Arne Slot and several Liverpool players were upset with the decision, believing Ibrahima Konate had been fouled leading up to Tarkowski’s 98th-minute goal. ..Continue Reading
Slot’s frustration with the incident led to his dismissal by referee Michael Oliver, just moments after giving the official a sarcastic and aggressive handshake.
While many thought the handshake was the sole reason for his red card, a new Daily Mail report suggests otherwise.
Slot is believed to have confronted Oliver at the final whistle, feeling there was a push on Konate in the buildup.
However, sources close to the event at Goodison claim Slot was punished for two separate “rants” that Oliver deemed deserving of a red card.
At the time of writing, the FA is reviewing the incident involving Slot and Oliver, as well as other match footage, to decide whether to charge the Dutchman.
There was confusion on Thursday morning when the Premier League mistakenly announced on its website that the Liverpool manager would receive a two-match suspension due to human error.
Slot’s assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, was also sent off after Wednesday’s game and may serve a touchline ban.
Although Slot’s exact words have yet to be disclosed, professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman told SPORTbible what the 46-year-old allegedly said to officials during his 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 told the referee: “Great game.”
Slot was shown a red card and while 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?”
