Arne Slot accused of crossing the line by TV commentator over comments made
Liverpool will once again be without Arne Slot on the touchline when they take on Southampton this weekend as he undertakes the second of his two-game ban.
Slot will be in the technical area to take on PSG in midweek with his suspension only applying to the Premier League.
The Dutchman picked up his red card after the final whistle in the Merseyside derby against Everton (12 February).
The Reds boss was accused by referee Michael Oliver of using abusive or insulting language for the dismissal.
Ian Darke backs Michael Oliver over Slot situation
Slot was wrong to commit the offence he allegedly did against Oliver in the aftermath of the hotly contested derby clash, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, believes the severity of the two-match ban was fair depending on what was said.
Darke did, however, back Oliver’s judgement, meaning Liverpool boss Slot also missed last week’s Anfield win over Newcastle United.
“I don’t know what the situation was between he and Michael Oliver, who I believe is one of our best referees,” he claimed.
“It depends what he said, and I’d presume Slot was unsavoury given the action Oliver took – he’s someone who uses a lot of common sense.
“So I’d guess whatever was said was a little beyond the line. I’m not firing arrows at Slot over that either, it was a furnace inside Goodison Park that night.”
Liverpool welcome Slot back for next Merseyside derby
The next occasion which sees Slot back in his technical area for a Premier League game is when Everton visit Anfield for the reverse fixture.
Liverpool meet their neighbours for the second time this season on 2 April, in a fixture which is sure to see the fire between the two continue.
| Date | Liverpool – next 5 fixtures | Competition |
| 5 March | PSG (A) | Champions League – R16 |
| 8 March | Southampton (H) | Premier League |
| 11 March | PSG (H) | Champions League – R16 |
| 16 March | Newcastle United (N) | Carabao Cup final |
| 2 April | Everton (H) | Premier League |
Slot and David Moyes will go toe-to-toe once more, with Everton having salvaged a draw in the final derby at Goodison Park and moments later seen sparks fly at the final whistle.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones were both sent off by Oliver at full-time after the latter reacted to the Toffees man’s incitement of the travelling Liverpool fans.