As the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park descended into chaos, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was one of FOUR players sent off by referee Michael Oliver. What he said to the official, Virgil van Dijk’s reaction, and the Dutchman’s immediate ban have all been made public.
After Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah’s goals negated Beto’s early opener, the Reds appeared poised to take a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League. But a James Tarkowski goal deep in stoppage time meant the points were shared and ensured Liverpool only went seven clear at the top – but the real talking point was the chaotic scenes that followed.
Abdoulaye Doucoure, a midfielder for Everton, actually caused the disturbance by provoking Liverpool supporters at full time after the draw. Curtis Jones reacted angrily to that, and the ensuing altercation resulted in both men being sent off.
However, the drama was far from over, as Slot went on to violently shake Oliver’s hand following the final whistle, a move that immediately resulted in the Dutchman being sent out. In the aftermath, Sipke Hulshoff, his assistant, was also given a red card.
According to Premier League regulations, the Liverpool manager and his number two were not permitted to have a press conference following the game because of the double red card. Additionally, both players are subject to a one-match suspension, which means they won’t be on the pitch for Sunday’s match against Wolves at Anfield.
What Slot said to Oliver right after the red card has now also come to light.
The cameras missed Slot’s first altercation with Oliver, but a second shot shows the Reds manager exclaiming, “You gave me a red for that?!”
Michael Oliver makes unhappy; Steve McManaman responds
Although it will undoubtedly be an exciting match report that arrives at their headquarters on Thursday morning from Oliver and his officials, it is unclear if the FA will opt to step in and prolong that punishment for any of the guilty parties.
In any case, Van Dijk was given a lot of media responsibilities and expressed his dissatisfaction with the developments.
Van Dijk remarked, “You saw how they celebrated the goal and they have every right to.”
“But I think Doucoure in the end wanted to provoke our fans, that is what I saw, and Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do.
“Then, of course, you are aware of what occurs when there is a minor altercation, or whatever you choose to call it.
“In my view, the referee was not in control of the game. I told him.
“Both teams had to cope with the impact it caused. We make a point and move on because it is what it is.
Steve McManaman, a former midfielder for Liverpool, responded to the tumultuous scenes by reflecting on a rather fitting conclusion to the final Merseyside derby at Goodison.
He told TNT Sports, “The game was wild, it had passion, it had fight, but there wasn’t a lot of quality.”
At the end, there were several farewells, and everyone wanted to agitate and fight one another. It was appropriate that there was complete mayhem in the conclusion.
“Abdoulaye Doucoure went to celebrate in front of 37,000 of his own fans.” It was a dumb move to go and annoy the Liverpool supporters. There was only one possible outcome.
“Doucoure is a crucial player, and it will have been an even worse choice if Everton loses their next game.”
Alvaro Fernandez Carreras, a former Manchester United defender, has reportedly been contacted by Liverpool in their search for a new left-back.
Since leaving Old Trafford only 13 months ago, the Spaniard has become as a major player at Benfica, and the cost the Reds might have to pay has surfaced following the explanation of uncertainty about a deal for Milos Kerkez.
In other news, FSG has been informed that they may save up to £70 million by signing Salah to a new contract at Anfield. A football finance expert and rather controversial commentator has told Liverpool that a new contract with Adidas will help tie the Egyptian down.
Finally, after identifying the key edge the Reds would have over Arsenal in the summer transfer window for the Newcastle player, Jamie Carragher has explained why he believes Liverpool might win the race for Alexander Isak.
