Arne Slot set to be REPLACED as Liverpool coach

Liverpool and Everton were involved in a feisty Merseyside Derby clash earlier this week and the fallout resulted in two of the club's coaching staff being dismissed with red cards by Michael Oliver.

Both Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were sent off after the final whistle by the referee and they have subsequently been charged by the FA.

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While the process unfolds, Slot is still able to appear in the dugout for the Reds' clash against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, but his appearances in the subsequent matches next week are yet to be confirmed as an investigation is still taking place into the incident.

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As such, if both Slot and Hulshoff are to receive a ban of some sort, then the club may have to temporarily replace the Liverpool head coach with another member of the backroom staff.

Slot and Hulshoff to be banned pending investigation

The unpleasant fall-out at the Merseyside derby on Wednesday was fuelled by a series of frustrating refereeing calls that were made against Liverpool who were leading the match 2-1 before James Tarkowski scored in the 98th minute to secure a draw for the hosts at Goodison Park.

As such, the result felt like Liverpool had dropped two points from a winning position, due to some unfortunate decisions not going their way which would have concluded the match before the last-gasp equaliser had a chance to occur.

In addition, there was controversy surrounding the goal itself, as Ibrahima Konate was shoved while attempting to head the ball - the only aerial duel he lost during the game - and it appeared as though an Everton player was offside in the build-up.

Slot was pictured after the game shouting at the assistant referee before saying something to Michael Oliver and shaking his hand, leading to the Dutchman being sent off. While there is no footage of the incident involving Hulshoff, it is understood that he was dismissed for a similar reason - saying something which was deemed unacceptable.

The FA formally charged the pair and both football clubs on Friday at 5pm - conveniently allowing no time for a response to be submitted before Monday morning, allowing for any potential ban to take place when the Reds visit Aston Villa and Manchester City next week.

The statement reads: "It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way following the final whistle.

"The Liverpool manager 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.

"It is alleged that Liverpool’s assistant manager acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official, which led to his dismissal. It is further alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off."

The four parties - Slot, Hulshoff, Liverpool and Everton - have until Wednesday, February 19th to respond with any evidence contrary to the claim in defence of their actions, and punishment will be dealt out accordingly.

Both of the members of Liverpool's coaching staff will likely receive touchline bans and potentially a fine for their actions - although it is still unknown what was said to the officials to warrant such a charge.

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As such, John Heitinga will be given the reins of leading the Reds in the upcoming games as the next most senior coach in the ranks. He was formally Ajax's caretaker manager in 2023 and the bond between himself and Slot is strong, so hopefully the team can deliver in Slot and Hulshoff's absence.

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Liverpool’s game against Wolves will kick off at 14:00 GMT on Sunday 16th February.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event and Ultra HD.

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