Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were blocked from their post-match media duties following Wednesday's heated 2-2 Merseyside derby draw at Everton.
Both members of the Reds' coaching staff received red cards in the aftermath of the match at Goodison Park.
Slot, who has become known for his candid approach with the media since taking charge at Liverpool, was dismissed after speaking with referee Michael Oliver following the final whistle.
The Dutch manager had shaken Oliver's hand before the exchange that led to his sending-off.
Arne Slot was sent off after the match
REUTERS
The confrontation erupted when Curtis Jones challenged Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure for celebrating in front of the away supporters.
The incident sparked a larger altercation involving multiple players from both teams, which required intervention from stewards and police to separate the sides.
The heated scenes came amid a contentious finish to the derby match, with Liverpool's players particularly aggrieved about several decisions from referee Michael Oliver.
Under Premier League guidelines for the 2024/25 season, managers and players who receive red cards are not required to participate in post-match interviews.
The regulations state that media obligations for dismissed managers should be fulfilled by the assistant manager or another senior coaching staff member.
The Merseyside derby ended in mayhem
REUTERS
While Liverpool could have put third-in-command John Heitinga forward for the press conference, the club opted not to do so.
This meant no immediate reaction was available from Slot regarding the match officiating or general proceedings.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk did speak to broadcasters, offering a frank assessment of the match officials.
"I think the ref didn't have the game under control, in my opinion. I said it to him. I don't know what it is, but it is a fact," Van Dijk told TNT Sports.
Speaking about the post-match incident, he added: "We saw how they celebrated the goal, they have every right to.
"But in the end I think Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans and Curtis didn't think that was the right thing to do."
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Liverpool players were not happy with Michael Oliver's performance
REUTERS
As it stands, Slot, Hulshoff and Jones are all set to miss Liverpool's upcoming match against Wolves on Sunday.
John Heitinga is expected to serve as stand-in head coach for the fixture at Anfield, unless Liverpool launch appeals against the red cards.
The next opportunity for media to speak with Slot will be on Friday, when Liverpool host their pre-match press conference at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the Wolves clash.
You may like
