The exact words that Arne Slot uttered to referee Michael Oliver after Liverpool’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Everton in February have been made public. Oliver ordered the Dutchman out after the final whistle, and as a consequence of his behaviour, he was later given a touchline ban.
The former Feyenoord manager is reportedly going to miss this weekend’s match against Southampton because he has already served one of his two games, which was in the team’s victory over Newcastle last week. What Slot said to Oliver to get himself into trouble, though, has now been verified.
Slot Tells Oliver He’s To Blame if Liverpool Don’t Win League
The Dutchman used plenty of expletives in his conversation
According to the FA’s written explanation for Slot’s ban, the coach allegedly informed the match official that he had “f*****g give them everything,” adding, “if we don’t win the league, I’ll f*****g blame you.” The referee was accused of making dubious decisions that would ultimately assist the Toffees, and Slot is also believed to have told Oliver that he hoped he was satisfied with his performance.
According to Slot’s argument, he had actually informed the 40-year-old, “if we don’t win the league, I will have you to thank for that.” He claimed that the wording he used was different. However, the FA maintained that Slot was still liable to disciplinary punishment because the difference in word choice did not change the course of conduct.
NEW: FA written reasons show Arne Slot told referee Michael Oliver after the Merseyside derby he had “fucking give them everything” + “if we don’t win the league, I’ll fucking blame you.” pic.twitter.com/ZoTl0EVBL3
— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) March 4, 2025
Slot was fined £70,000 in addition to the touchline ban, while Sipke Hulshoff, his assistant, was fined £7,000 for his involvement in the proceedings. The Dutchman was forced to watch from the stands during his team’s Carabao Cup match against Southampton, and this is the second time this season that he has been given a touchline ban.
However, Slot will be on the pitch on Wednesday night when Liverpool travels to the French city to play Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 Champions League match. The Liverpool manager will be permitted to lead his club in European competitions because the ban only applies to English competitions. Slot has the chance to achieve a historic domestic and European double in his first season as manager because the Reds are predicted to be among the favourites to win the entire competition.
xz
