Liverpool manager Arne Slot has found himself at the center of controversy following his reaction to Michael Oliver’s officiating during the Merseyside derby.
The Dutchman was furious after Everton’s late equalizer and confronted the referee after the match, earning a two-match touchline ban.
His suspension has sparked discussions about stricter disciplinary measures for managers, with former Premier League referee Keith Hackett suggesting that persistent misconduct could lead to points deductions in the future.
Slot’s Heated Exchange with Oliver
Following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Everton, Slot was livid that James Tarkowski’s last-minute goal stood, believing that Beto had pushed Ibrahima Konate in the buildup.
In his frustration, he reportedly told Oliver during the post-match handshake: “If we don’t win the league, I’ll [expletive] blame you.”
Slot has since admitted regret over his actions.
Image credit: barry
Slot received a red card after the final whistle and will complete his suspension after Liverpool’s next game against Southampton.
Could Points Deductions Be Next?
Hackett has warned that if managers continue to clash with referees, the Premier League may be forced to introduce harsher penalties.
“I would like to see referees at the final whistle moving towards the tunnel rather than standing in the middle looking for handshakes and any complimentary comments,” Hackett told Football Insider.
“This will, I feel, reduce any tensions that have built up in the game. I hope that the level of fines will receive a more controlled approach by the manager and his assistant.
“If these fines going forward do not have the desired effect, then we may see points deductions coming into play.
The last time they used that sanction for an on-field mass confrontation was in the game between Manchester United and Arsenal (in the 1990s), where I was the man in the middle.”
It has been revealed that Slot said:
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) March 4, 2025
“If we don’t win the league, I’ll f*cking blame you!”😡 pic.twitter.com/WO6E8wwJHC
Premier League Managers Under Scrutiny
Slot isn’t the only manager to have run into trouble with officials this season.
Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler and Nottingham Forest’s Nuno Espirito Santo were both sent off during a heated clash in September, adding to growing concerns over touchline discipline.
Slot has since admitted regret over his actions, stating: “It happened a lot and the emotions got the better of me. If I could do it differently, if I look back at it, I would love to do it differently. I would do it (differently) next time as well.”
What’s Next for Liverpool?
With Slot serving his suspension, Liverpool will have to navigate a crucial fixture against Southampton without him on the touchline.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, locked in the title race, will be keeping a close eye on any developments that could impact their rivals.
Would the Premier League go as far as deducting points for manager misconduct? That remains to be seen, but Slot’s case could set a precedent.