Exclusive: Ex-PGMOL boss reacts as Arne Slot, Liverpool and Everton punished
Keith Hackett believes the FA have sent a message to with the punishment they have given Liverpool manager Arne Slot after his red card during the Merseyside Derby.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the authorities must now be “consistent” with the sanctions they issue to offending individuals.
It was a dramatic end to the last ever Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park earlier this month, as James Tarkwoski’s stoppage time volley snatched a 2-2 draw for Everton.
The reaction to that sparked a brawl between players and staff from both teams, with Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones both being sent off.
There was then even more controversy after that had died down, which has now led to consequences for Slot himself.
Arne Slot punished over Merseyside derby actions
After that brawl had died down, referee Michael Oliver remained on the centre of the pitch, where he was approached and engaged in discussions by Slot.
That then led to Oliver showing a red card to both the Liverpool manager and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.
It was subsequently confirmed that both Slot and Hulshoff had accepted the charges against them as a result of their dismissals.
Now it has been revealed that both Slot and Hulshoff have been issued two-match touchline bans for their actions.
| Arne Slot ban matches | Competition | Date |
| Newcastle United (H) | Premier League | 26 February |
| Southampton (H) | Premier League | 8 March |
Slot has also been fined £70,000 with Hulshoff being forced to pay a £7,000. Liverpool (£50,000) and Everton (£65,000) have also been fined for failing to control their players in that brawl.
Now, Hackett believes that the FA are looking to lay down a marker with the punishments they have issued to those involved.
Keith Hackett reacts to Liverpool manager ban
Speaking to Football Insider about the punishments handed out in the wake of those derby incidents, the former referee said:
“The message is clear from the Football Association that they will take action on misconduct. They must be consistent in their sanctions.”
With Slot and Hulshoff banned, Liverpool coach John Heitinga, a former Everton defender, looks set to take charge of the Premier League leaders on the touchline for their next two games.