Arne Slot was furious with Michael Oliver after Everton vs Liverpool (Image: Getty)
was furious with referee Michael Oliver long before the Dutchman was sent off in the aftermath of ’s chaotic 2-2 draw with Everton. The Reds boss for confronting Oliver.
Slot was angered by Everton’s 98th-minute equaliser. He believed Ibrahima Konate had been fouled before James Tarkowski’s thumping volley sent Goodison Park into raptures.
As Tarkowski struck the ball into the roof of the net, Slot gestured that there had been a push before putting his head in his hands. Oliver then showed him a red card for his complaints and the full extent of what was said will be revealed in the official’s eagerly anticipated report.
But Slot had already seemingly been concerned over the influence the rowdy home crowd was having on the game. According to , a foul on Everton forward Beto prompted Slot to gesture that Oliver had been tempted to award a free kick based on the reaction of the Everton fans.
He caught the attention of the match officials before pointing up towards the stands.
Slot’s red card will condemn him to a place among the Anfield crowd for ’s clash with Wolves on Sunday. Assistant Sipke Hulshoff also saw red in the fiery aftermath, along with midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Fellow assistant Johnny Heitinga is likely to lead against Wolves, with Slot and Hulshoff both banned from the touchline. A Football Association rule as part of a cooling-down period, meaning Slot and Hulshoff were unable to provide details on what was said to Oliver.
The usually mild-mannered tactician is set to serve his second touchline ban of the season. He was previously suspended for a victory over Southampton having collected three yellow cards in the Premier League.
The Reds had been so close to going nine points clear of in the league. seemed to have thrashed home the winner in the 73rd minute after first-half goals apiece by Beto and Alexis Mac Allister.
Chaotic scenes at full-time saw four red cards in Everton vs Liverpool (Image: Getty)
But Tarkowski’s stunning volley earned David Moyes’ side a point. are seven points clear of while Everton took a step towards safety and are 15th.
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk was unhappy with referee Oliver, telling TNT Sports: “Because it was over extra time and I think the referee had a big part in the game in terms of certain challenges were given as a foul and similar were not.
“We all know this is their cup final and they will do everything in their power to try and win against us. This year, you see them scoring at the end and it’s obviously a big boost for them but it’s a blow for us.”