Arne Slot’s Furious Showdown with Michael Oliver After Shocking Red Card
Arne Slot’s Heated Exchange with Michael Oliver After Controversial Red Card
Arne Slot was left baffled by Michael Oliver’s decision to send him off following Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The Dutchman was one of four individuals shown a red card after the final whistle on Wednesday night, as tensions flared in the aftermath of a thrilling contest. Everton struck first through Beto in the 11th minute, but Alexis Mac Allister quickly leveled with a header five minutes later. Mohamed Salah then appeared to have secured victory for Liverpool with a close-range finish, only for the hosts to push for a late equalizer.
The equalizer came in the most dramatic fashion, as James Tarkowski unleashed a thunderous strike in the 90+8th minute—the latest recorded goal in Merseyside derby history. It was pure euphoria for Everton and heartbreak for Liverpool.
On the touchline, Arne Slot was furious, believing Ibrahima Konaté had been fouled in the build-up. 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 boiled over at Goodison Park as tempers flared following a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Known for his typically composed demeanor, Arne Slot was furious when Tarkowski’s strike found the net and VAR upheld the goal. He was seen shouting at the fourth official in frustration, and his anger carried over even after the final whistle at Goodison Park.
Tensions had already escalated between both teams, with a heated brawl breaking out after Abdoulaye Doucouré taunted the away section in celebration. Curtis Jones immediately confronted the Malian midfielder, and the two nearly clashed before a mass scuffle erupted. Both players received second yellow cards, resulting in their dismissals.
Slot approached Oliver for a handshake but did so in a manner that appeared aggressive, still visibly frustrated over the decision to allow the equalizer. The referee responded by showing the Dutchman a red card, a decision that left the 46-year-old stunned.
“You gave me a red for that?!” he exclaimed.
Slot’s assistant coach, Sipke Hulshoff, was also shown a red card, meaning both will be absent from the touchline for Liverpool’s upcoming clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on Sunday (February 16). Additionally, Slot could face an extended suspension due to his actions.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk weighed in on Oliver’s officiating, criticizing the referee’s performance and insisting he “didn’t have the game under control.”
Liverpool remain at the top of the Premier League, holding a seven-point lead over second-placed Arsenal after 24 games. However, their final visit to Goodison Park ended in frustration, following on from a shock 1-0 defeat to Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round.
Lip Reader Reveals What Slot Said Amid Potential Two-Game Ban
The Premier League later deleted a claim regarding the Liverpool boss potentially serving a two-match suspension.
Slot will be absent from the touchline for Liverpool’s clash with Wolves this weekend, and speculation is mounting over whether he will also be banned for the Reds’ trip to Aston Villa next Wednesday (February 19).
The Premier League initially posted a statement on their X account explaining that Oliver dismissed the Dutchman for using “offensive, insulting, or abusive language” and that he had been “handed a two-match touchline ban” as a result.
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
The post has since been deleted, but speculation about Slot’s ban stems from his heated exchange with the officials, including Michael Oliver.
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman told SPORTbible that Slot directed his frustration at the assistant referee, shouting:
“That’s not a push? It’s a f**king disgrace… if you go and watch that again.”
He then turned to the other linesman and sarcastically added:
“Well done.”
During the chaotic post-match scenes, Slot sarcastically told Oliver during their tense handshake:
“Great game.”