What Arne Slot Told Michael Oliver After Red Card in Liverpool vs Everton Draw

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver following a dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

The game saw Liverpool miss out on extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points and ended in controversy, with tensions flaring between both teams.

Late Tarkowski Equaliser Sparks Chaos in Merseyside Derby

Liverpool looked set for victory when Mohamed Salah put Slot’s side ahead in the 73rd minute. However, Everton’s James Tarkowski scored an equaliser in the eighth minute of injury time, earning the Toffees a point.

The post-match chaos was triggered when Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure incited Liverpool supporters, leading to a mass altercation involving both sets of players. Curtis Jones and Doucoure were both given red cards for their involvement in the scuffle, which required police and stewards to intervene.

The moment Arne Slot was shown a red card by Michael Oliver 👀 pic.twitter.com/e3IQvxM70N

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 12, 2025

Arne Slot’s Red Card and Heated Exchange with Michael Oliver

Arne Slot was sent off moments after the final whistle after shaking hands with Michael Oliver in what appeared to be an aggressive manner. As soon as Slot released his grip, Oliver swiftly reached for his red card.

While the cameras missed the full exchange, a secondary angle captured Slot questioning Oliver’s decision, saying: “You gave me a red for that?!”

Liverpool’s assistant coach, Sipke Hulshoff, was also dismissed in the aftermath, and both will now miss Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Wolves this Sunday.

Virgil van Dijk Criticises Referee Michael Oliver

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk did not hold back in his post-match comments, criticising Oliver’s officiating throughout the heated derby.

“You saw how they celebrated the goal, and they have all the right to,” Van Dijk said. “But I think Doucoure in the end wanted to provoke our fans, that is what I saw, and Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do.

“Then obviously you know what happens when there is a little tussle or whatever you want to call it.”

Van Dijk also questioned Oliver’s control over the match, saying, “I think the ref didn’t have the game under control in my opinion. I said it to him.”

Virgil van Dijk wasn't happy with Michael Oliver's performance in the Merseyside Derby 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/pQluIs3VnJ

— LiveScore (@livescore) February 12, 2025