Liverpool face possibility of being without boss Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff in dugout following FA charge | OneFootball

The Football Association (FA) has charged Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, and both Liverpool and Everton following the dramatic 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in the final Merseyside derby at the stadium.

Slot and Hulshoff have been accused of using “offensive, insulting, or abusive language” towards match officials after full-time, while both clubs face charges over their players’ and staff’s conduct following the final whistle.

The match saw Liverpool take a late 2-1 lead through Mo Salah, only for Everton’s James Tarkowski to equalise with a stoppage-time volley.

The dramatic finish was then followed by heated confrontations on the pitch after the full-time whistle, culminating in the dismissals of Curtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Slot, and Hulshoff.

Tensions flared when Doucoure celebrated in front of the Liverpool away end, provoking a reaction from Jones. Their confrontation quickly escalated, with players and staff from both teams getting involved.

Referee Michael Oliver responded by showing second yellow cards to both Jones and Doucoure, sending them off.

As emotions boiled over, Slot and Hulshoff were also dismissed in the aftermath, with the Liverpool boss allegedly directing improper and abusive language at officials.

Due to Premier League regulations, Liverpool were unable to hold a post-match press conference that evening as neither the head coach nor his assistant was eligible to speak to the media.

In their official statement, the FA outlined the charges: “It is 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.”

“Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager allegedly 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.”

“It is alleged that Liverpool’s assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official, which led to his dismissal. I

“t is further alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off.”

Liverpool, Everton, Slot, and Hulshoff have until Wednesday, February 19th to respond.

With the FA awaiting official responses, Slot and Hulshoff remain eligible to be on the touchline for Liverpool’s Premier League clashes against Wolves on Sunday and against Aston Villa next week.

However, depending on any subsequent disciplinary action, the Dutch duo could face bans for the crucial trip to Manchester City on February 23rd.

This is the second time Slot has faced disciplinary action this season, having previously served a ban for an incident during Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton in November.

With the dust still settling from a fiery derby, both clubs must now await their fate while refocusing on the tough fixtures ahead.