Paul Merson apoplectic at Arne Slot development in Liverpool draw v Everton
Paul Merson was furious about a development involving Liverpool boss Arne Slot as he gave his verdict on the 2-2 draw with Everton.
Liverpool were held by Everton at Goodison Park in a hugely eventful final Merseyside derby to be staged at the ground.
Slot was one of four people shown a red card at full-time, along with midfielder Curtis Jones, coach Sipke Hulshoff and Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Referee Michael Oliver reached into his pocket after Slot approached him and made remarks that have yet to be made public.
It is yet to be seen exactly how many games Slot will be suspended for, or if indeed he will have to watch Sunday’s clash with Wolves from the stands.
Paul Merson completely disagrees with Mike Dean verdict on Liverpool
Speaking live on Sky Sports News [15 February, 1:28pm], Mike Dean defended Oliver’s decision to send off Slot.
Dean, a former Premier League referee, argued that the official would have been left with no choice, albeit nobody knows exactly what was said.
In response to that, a fired-up Merson said: “Oh come on. [Oliver]’s not a seven or eight year old. It’s the heat of the moment; it’s the Premier League.
“I thought the ref could have had a bit more class about him. He could have easily not sent [Slot] off. The referee needs to have a bit more common sense.
“The manager’s just seen his side concede a last-minute goal. I don’t care what’s been said.”
Arne Slot red card decision explained by FA
An FA statement released on Friday (14 February) explained that Slot “allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished.”
However, it remains unclear exactly what the Liverpool manager said. On that basis, it is hard to know whether the red card decision was justified.
Merson makes a good point in that the man in the middle perhaps could have shown a bit more common sense, although in fairness he may have been called something.
Either way, with Slot in the stands or on the touchline, Liverpool now have another big game coming up against Wolves.
Team changes can be expected for Liverpool for that on the back of the Everton disappointment, and let’s just hope whoever is picked can help the side to all three points at Anfield.