Liverpool manager Arne Slot has faced allegations of a foul-mouthed outburst directed at referee Michael Oliver, suggesting that the official would be to blame if the Premier League leaders fail to secure the title.
Slot, along with his assistant Sipke Hulshoff, received red cards for their confrontational approach towards Oliver following Liverpool’s tumultuous 2-2 draw with Merseyside rivals Everton in February.
James Tarkowski found the net for Everton in the dying moments of the match, and tempers flared as Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure from Everton were both sent off after an altercation post-match.
As a result of their actions, Slot and Hulshoff were handed two-match touchline bans and fined by an independent regulatory body.
The panel reviewed Oliver’s match report, which described Slot as “confrontational and aggressive,” stating the manager told the referee he had “given them everything” and questioned whether Oliver was “proud of that performance.”
Oliver also claimed that Slot continued with his expletive-laden tirade, declaring: “If we don’t win the league, I’ll blame you.”
In response, Slot acknowledged the charges but insisted his words were, “If we don’t win the league, I will have you to thank for that.”
The Football Association maintained that Slot’s language matched Oliver’s account and that this variance did not materially affect the outcome of the punishment.
Admitting his conduct was unacceptable, Slot conceded that frustration had got the better of him, believing that crucial decisions had not favoured Liverpool at Goodison Park.
The 46-year-old Dutch boss, who began serving his ban during last week’s victory over Newcastle, has since publicly and privately apologised to Oliver.
“Arne Slot is a role model and should be exhibiting good discipline both on and off the pitch, setting a standard for his players,” the commission stated, noting that his actions “did not portray the positive image of the game that the governing bodies endeavour to uphold.”
Despite their slip-up against Everton, Liverpool currently boasts a 13-point lead over second-placed Arsenal as they approach a record-tying 20th English title.
The team is set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie this Wednesday.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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