Liverpool manager Arne Slot was left perplexed after referee Michael Oliver issued him a red card following his side’s 2-2 draw at Everton on Wednesday night.
The Reds appeared poised to claim a crucial victory that would have extended their lead over second-placed Arsenal to nine points. Mohamed Salah had put them ahead with 17 minutes remaining at Goodison Park, but Everton’s James Tarkowski netted a dramatic equalizer in the eighth minute of injury time to level the score.
The drama intensified after the final whistle when Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure provoked a mass brawl by taunting the Liverpool fans. Doucoure and Curtis Jones were both sent off, and Slot also received a red card after he appeared to shake Oliver’s hand in a forceful manner. As soon as Slot released his grip, Oliver swiftly brandished the red card.
A second camera captured Slot asking the referee, “You gave me a red for that?!” in disbelief.
Liverpool’s assistant coach, Sipke Hulshoff, was also dismissed by Oliver following the incident.
Slot will now serve a suspension for Sunday’s Premier League match against Wolves at Anfield. Due to the rules surrounding his red card, he was also prevented from speaking to the media after the game.
