The FA has presented its findings after its investigation into the conduct of Liverpool head coach Arne Slot which led to his sending off following the final whistle in the Merseyside Derby - as the referee claimed the Reds manager swore at him.
The Dutchman was dismissed after confronting officials at the end of the game after his side was held to a 2-2 draw away at nearest rivals Everton last month. The Toffees had rescued a point in the 98th minute of play to earn a share of the points during the historic final local derby encounter at Goodison Park.
As the Blues supporters celebrated earning a draw in dramatic fashion against their neighbors, tempers flared - leading to Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure being sent off. Likewise, Reds boss Slot was given his marching orders after a heated conversation with officials on the field of play after the result was confirmed.
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Following the FA's probe into the matter, Slot was handed a two-game domestic touchline ban - effective from Liverpool's clash with Newcastle onwards - and a fine of £70,000. Now, the FA has released the following statement, as they issued their conclusions after Slot's conduct was investigated.
Their findings reveal that Slot is claimed to have swore at referee Oliver, leading to him being issued with a red card. The statement read: "It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by LFC’s Arne Slot (“AS”) who had entered the field of play to confront the Referee and the Match Officials team. Tensions were running high.
"It was alleged that AS’ manner was confrontational and aggressive. It was alleged that he initially used abusive words initially used abusive words whilst shaking the Referee’s hand including that the Referee had 'f------ give them everything' and that AS hoped that the Referee 'was proud of that performance'.
Following on from this initial exchange, the probe found that Slot returned to continue his exchange with Oliver after this, with the findings reading: "The Referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by AS around one minute later.
"In this exchange, AS once again shook the Referee’s hand and said 'if we don’t win the league, I’ll f------ blame you'. It is then further alleged that AS turned to the Assistant Referee and shouted twice that it was “a f------ disgrace.” As a result of AS’ conduct, he was shown a red card by the Referee."
In addition, a statement was issued by the FA in relation to the alleged conduct of Liverpool assistant head coach Sipke Hulshoff, who was also sent off after the final whistle at Goodison Park. It read: Additionally, Sipke Hulshoff (“SH”) is alleged to have entered the field of play following the full-time whistle to confront the Referee in an 'extremely aggressive manner'.
"It is alleged that SH said the Referee was 'f----- s---' and 'gave them everything' and he was a 'f------ disgrace'. We are advised that the Referee attempts to remove himself from the situation to deal with the dismissals of CJ and AD, but SH continues to follow him and is eventually restrained by colleagues, but continues to shout ''f----- s---'. SH was also shown a red card by the Referee and dismissed."
