The Football Association (FA) has charged Everton, Liverpool and Arne Slot following the chaotic scenes at the end of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Both clubs have been accused of failing to control their players after a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Liverpool manager Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff face further charges for their conduct towards the match officials – the charges that come just a day after calls for FA action were raised.
The incident unfolded after James Tarkowski scored a superb equaliser for Everton in the eighth minute of added time. Liverpool players were furious, believing Beto had fouled Ibrahima Konate in the build-up.
Emotions spilt over at the final whistle when Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of the away end.
Curtis Jones confronted Doucoure, and both players received second yellow cards before tensions escalated further.
Slot and Hulshoff were then dismissed for confronting referee Michael Oliver. The FA have now alleged that both acted in an ‘improper manner’ and used ‘insulting and/or abusive words’ towards the officials.
Liverpool and Everton, along with Slot and Hulshoff, have until Wednesday, February 19, to respond to the charges.
Slot acknowledged his actions in a press conference on Friday, admitting that ’emotions got the better of me’ and that he should have ‘acted differently’.
The controversy overshadowed the result, which left Liverpool seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and Everton ten points above the relegation zone.
Despite his red card, Slot is expected to be on the touchline when Liverpool face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
The FA’s disciplinary process means any potential suspension would only take effect after a final ruling.
A statement on the Premier League website initially claimed Slot had been banned for two matches, but it was later removed, with reports suggesting the post was made in error.
If the Liverpool boss receives a touchline ban, he could miss key fixtures against Manchester City and Newcastle United later this month.
Jones will serve a one-match suspension for his red card against Everton, ruling him out of Sunday’s game. Doucoure will also be unavailable for Everton’s trip to Crystal Palace.
