Arne Slot was given a red card by referee Michael Oliver in the immediate aftermath of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Everton on Wednesday night.
Liverpool appeared to be on course to go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as Mohamed Salah put Slot’s side 2-1 ahead with 17 minutes remaining at Goodison Park.
However, James Tarkowski netted a last-gasp equalise in the eighth minute of injury time to salvage a point for Everton in their final Merseyside derby before they move to their new stadium.
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure sparked a mass brawl between both sets of players after he goaded the Liverpool supporters moments after the full-time whistle.
Both Doucoure and Curtis Jones were sent off for their part in the bust-up, which required both police and matchday stewards to intervene.
Slot was also given a red card after he appeared to shake Oliver’s hand in an aggressive manner. As soon as Slot released his grip, Oliver immediately reached to his back pocket.
Slot’s conversation with Oliver was just out of view of the camera, however, a second camera caught the Liverpool manager asking the referee: ‘You gave me a red for that?!’
Liverpool’s assistant coach, Sipke Hulshoff, was also sent off by Oliver in the aftermath of the game.
Slot, who will now be absent on the touchline for Liverpool’s Premier League match against Wolves this Sunday, declined to speak to the media in his post-match press conference.
Speaking after the game, Virgil van Dijk criticised Oliver’s handling of the game.
‘You saw how they celebrated the goal and they have all the right to,’ he said.’ Van Dijk said.
‘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 obviously you know what happens when there is a little tussle or whatever you want to call it.
‘I think the ref didn’t have the game under control in my opinion. I said it to him.
‘It did affect and both teams had to deal with it. It is what it is so we take a point and move on.’
The draw at Goodison Park leaves Liverpool seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier league.
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