Arne Slot’s Fiery Response to Michael Oliver Following Controversial Red Card
Arne Slot’s Instant Reaction to Michael Oliver After Controversial Red Card
Arne Slot was left baffled by Michael Oliver’s decision to dismiss him following Liverpool’s intense 2-2 draw against Everton in what was the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The Dutchman was among four individuals shown a red card after the final whistle on Wednesday night, as controversy marred the thrilling encounter. Everton struck first through Beto in the 11th minute, but Alexis Mac Allister quickly leveled with a header five minutes later. Mohamed Salah appeared to have sealed victory for Liverpool with a close-range finish, only for the hosts to push desperately for a late equalizer.
The equalizer came in the most dramatic fashion, as James Tarkowski unleashed a stunning strike in the 98th minute—the latest goal ever recorded in a Merseyside derby. Goodison Park erupted in euphoria, while Liverpool were left in despair.
Arne Slot was furious on the touchline, convinced that Ibrahima Konaté had been fouled in the buildup. However, despite a lengthy VAR review, Michael Oliver stood by his decision, only adding to Liverpool’s frustration.
Arne Slot Perplexed by Michael Oliver’s Red Card After Fiery Merseyside Derby
Tensions ran high at Goodison Park as emotions spilled over following a dramatic 2-2 draw.
The typically composed Arne Slot was visibly furious when Tarkowski’s thunderous strike found the net, and VAR upheld the goal. His frustration boiled over as he shouted at the fourth official, and his anger carried into the post-match scenes at Goodison Park.
Tensions had already reached a boiling point when Abdoulaye Doucouré’s celebration in front of the away section provoked a reaction. Curtis Jones immediately confronted the Malian midfielder, and the two nearly clashed before a mass brawl erupted. Both players were handed second yellow cards, resulting in their dismissals amid the chaotic ending to the derby.
Slot stormed over to Michael Oliver for a post-match handshake, but his frustration over the controversial equalizer made the gesture appear more aggressive than intended. The referee wasted no time in showing the Dutchman a red card, a decision that left the Liverpool boss stunned.
“You gave me a red for that?!” Slot exclaimed, clearly in disbelief as tensions continued to simmer in the aftermath of the chaotic derby.
Slot’s assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, was also shown a red card, meaning both will be absent from the touchline when Liverpool face Wolves at Anfield on Sunday, February 16. On top of that, Slot could face an additional suspension due to his post-match actions.
Virgil van Dijk didn’t hold back in his assessment of Michael Oliver’s officiating, suggesting the referee had lost control of the game amid the late chaos. With emotions running high, it’s clear Liverpool felt hard done by in a derby that had everything.
Liverpool remain top of the Premier League, holding a seven-point lead over second-placed Arsenal after 24 matches. However, their last visit to Goodison Park ended in frustration, following a shock 1-0 FA Cup exit to Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round.
Lip Reader Reveals What Slot Said Amid Potential Two-Game Ban
Controversy deepened as a lip reader analyzed Slot’s heated exchange, shedding light on his words during the fiery post-match scenes. Meanwhile, the Premier League briefly claimed that the Liverpool boss would serve a two-game suspension—only to delete the statement shortly after, adding further confusion to the situation.
Slot will be absent from the touchline when Liverpool face Wolves this weekend, and speculation is mounting over whether he’ll also be banned for their trip to Aston Villa next Wednesday, February 19.
The Premier League initially posted a statement on their X account explaining that Michael Oliver dismissed Slot for using “offensive, insulting, or abusive language” and that the Dutchman had been handed a two-match touchline ban. However, the post was later deleted, fueling further confusion over the extent of Slot’s punishment.
Another angle of Arne Slot's red card tonight…
What did he say to Michael Oliver 🤝 pic.twitter.com/qzR376WKUw
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 12, 2025
Although the Premier League’s post was deleted, speculation about Slot’s suspension persists, largely due to his heated exchange with the officials, including Michael Oliver.
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman told SPORTbible that Slot was caught shouting at the assistant referee:
After his outburst, Slot redirected his frustration towards the other linesman, sarcastically saying, “Well done.”
During the controversial post-match handshake with Oliver, Slot, still seething, remarked, “Great game,” in a tone that reflected his displeasure with the officiating.