Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be forced to watch today's game against Newcastle from the stands after being handed a two-game touchline ban by the FA.
The suspension comes after Slot was charged for his sending-off at the end of the Merseyside derby against Everton earlier this month. The Liverpool boss was shown a red card after confronting referee Michael Oliver on the pitch, having watched his side concede a late equalizer in the 2-2 draw.
Slot has now been handed a two-match suspension, which begins with today's game against Newcastle and will also see him away from the touchline for the visit of Southampton on March 8. The Liverpool boss has also received a fine of £70,000 ($88,500).
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Assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff has also been banned for two games, while being fined £7,000 ($8,850). Everton and Liverpool have been fined £65,000 ($82,000) and £50,000 ($63,000) respectively for failing to control their players.
It's the second time this season Slot has had to serve a touchline ban, having previously watched Liverpool's Carabao Cup win at Southampton in December from the stands after accumulating three yellow cards.
With both Slot and Hulshoff suspended, John Heitinga will take charge of the Reds for today's game against Newcastle and next month's meeting with Southampton. Liverpool has at least avoided a nightmare situation which could have seen Slot and Hulshoff banned from the touchline for the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 16, when they will meet Newcastle again.
Slot was one of four people to be shown a red card following the final whistle in the derby at Goodison Park. The chaotic scenes were sparked after Curtis Jones reacted angrily to Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrating in front of the traveling supporters, with both players given their marching orders by Oliver.
According to The Athletic, Slot and Hulshoff were informed of their punishments on Tuesday night, just hours before the Reds host Newcastle at Anfield.
A statement from The FA said: “It was alleged that the Liverpool head coach acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished. Arne Slot admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £70,000 fine.”
The FA added: “It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way following the final whistle. Everton and Liverpool admitted the charges, and the Regulatory Commission imposed £65,000 and £50,000 fines on them respectively following a hearing.”
