Keith Hackett

Thu 20 February 2025 17:30, UK

Keith Hackett has reacted to Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff accepting the FA charges after being red carded at the end of the Merseyside derby with Everton.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Slot likely felt it was more “convenient” to accept the charge given his busy schedule.

The last Merseyside derby to be held at Goodison Park proved to be a dramatic one when it took place last week, with Liverpool and Everton playing out a 2-2 draw.

Now the fall out from that match has continued to emerge, with potential implications for the Reds manager.

Liverpool vs Everton dominated by controversy

Everton had taken the lead through Beto in that game from a free-kick many felt should not have been given.

However, Liverpool hit back thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah to lead 2-1, only for James Tarkowski to equalise with a stunning volley deep into stoppage time.

Abdoulaye Doucoure’s celebrations in front of the away end then sparked a brawl that led to both the Everton midfielder and his Liverpool counterpart Curtis Jones being shown a red card.

Both Slot and Hulshoff were then sent off by referee Michael Oliver, who was criticised by Hackett for inviting such controversy by remaining on the pitch once things had settled down.

However, it has been confirmed that both Slot and his assistant, along with Liverpool, have accepted the charges brought against them by the FA as a result of those incidents.

Keith Hackett reacts to Arne Slot accepting FA charge

Speaking to Football Insider about Slot and Hulshoff’s decision to accept those charges amid his criticism of Oliver over the situation, Hackett said:

“Frankly I think they look at their role and the importance to coach and prepare for the next game. They look at their diary and the limited time they have to attend an appeal hearing.

“It’s easier and more convenient to accept the sanction and move on. There is no doubt that they will have looked carefully at the Match Official’s submissions to take the punishment.”

Liverpool have two big games coming up in the next week as they continue to chase the Premier League title.

They travel to the Etihad to face Man City on Sunday (23 February), before welcoming Newcastle United to Anfield on Wednesday (26 February).