Exclusive: FA must clarify plan to ‘inconvenience’ Arne Slot with Liverpool ban
Keith Hackett wants to see the FA clarify the rules on Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s touchline ban ahead of their match against Southampton.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Red’s manager’s touchline ban was largely superficial, in comparison to any suspension he could receive in UEFA competition.
Slot was sent off after a 2-2 draw with Everton, in the final Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park, for confronting Michael Oliver after the final whistle.
The Dutch manager could be seen in a directors box at Anfield, during Liverpool‘s 2-0 win against Newcastle on Wednesday evening (26 February).
Despite the comfortable win, there were a number of controversial officiating decisions by referee Stuart Attwell, including Mohamed Salah being denied a penalty for Liverpool, and a strange Diogo Jota foul call.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces relaxed sanction from The FA
Following the post-match brawl between Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones, and Slot’s red card, the FA issued fines to both clubs, and the Dutch manager.
However, despite the punishment, the former Feyenoord manager’s punishment is surprisingly lax, withe Slot allowed to pass instructions on to his assistant’s on the touchline.
When asked by Football Insider about the rules on what a manager is allowed to do when serving a touchline ban, ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, said:
“Let’s start with how UEFA operate their touchline ban.
“The manager arrives at the stadium, and is allocated a seat at the side of the UEFA match delegate in the director’s box.
“He is not allowed in the dressing room, and is unable to communicate in anyway with his team, and the coaches, throughout the duration of the game.
| Slot touchline ban matches | Competition | Date |
| Newcastle (H) – won 2-0 | Premier League | 26 February |
| Southampton (H) | Premier League | 8 March |
“A touchline ban in the English game is a sanction that appears to be more about inconvenience to the manager, whose only real sanction appears to be that he sits in the stand.
“We see them on the phone, clearly influencing, and probably making phone calls to his colleagues with regard to what changes he wants to make etc.
“The acting coach in the technical area is often seen to be wearing an earpiece.
“We really need clarification from The FA – they need to spell it out.”
Liverpool show composure despite Arne Slot touchline ban
Despite being without their talismanic manager on the side-line, Liverpool put in a composed performance against the Magpies, nullifying any potential threats from Anthony Gordon or Callum Wilson.
The 2-0 win was made even sweeter, as Arsenal failed to beat Nottingham Forest, extending the Red’s lead at the top of the Premier League to 13 points.
Slot will also be in the director’s box for their next league game, against Southampton on 8 March.