 "Liverpool boss Arne Slot argues with referee Michael Oliver before being sent off. Image: Reuters")
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was forced to miss his post-match press conference after being sent off following a dramatic draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday. The Reds were left frustrated after conceding a last-minute equaliser, leading to a fiery exchange between Slot and referee Michael Oliver.
Liverpool looked set for a crucial victory after Mohamed Salah’s late goal had put them ahead, following Alexis Mac Allister’s earlier equaliser. However, James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute goal salvaged a point for Everton, a decision that sparked controversy. The goal was initially reviewed by VAR for a possible offside and foul but was ultimately allowed to stand.
Arne Slot confronted Michael Oliver over the decision, giving him an angry handshake before being shown a straight red card. Assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff was also dismissed after a heated dispute with the referee over the legitimacy of the goal.
Why Slot was barred from the press conference?
Under current Premier League rules, any manager or player who receives a red card is prohibited from speaking to the media after the match. With both Slot and Hulshoff dismissed, Liverpool had no senior coaching staff available for the mandatory press conference. As a result, the club had to cancel their post-match media briefing, leaving captain Virgil van Dijk to perform media duties instead.
Slot and Hulshoff’s red cards mean both will be absent from the touchline for Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolves on Sunday, 16 February. First-team coach John Heitinga is expected to take charge from the dugout.
Liverpool’s quest for a quadruple came unstuck with a shock FA Cup exit to second-tier strugglers Plymouth on Sunday . Slot made 10 changes as he resorted to his strongest available side with Salah and Van Dijk among those who had been afforded the weekend off.
Everton’s own FA Cup exit to Bournemouth on Saturday had punctured some of their momentum since Moyes’ return for a second spell in charge. The Toffees had won their previous three Premier League games to pull nine points clear of the relegation zone and got off to a flying start.
(With agency inputs)