Everton v Liverpool: Slot misses post-match duties after sending off

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was notably absent from the post-match press conference following his side’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

The fiery conclusion to the game saw Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff sent off, leaving Liverpool unable to fulfill their usual media obligations.

The match, which was poised to end in a Liverpool victory, took a stunning turn in the 98th minute when James Tarkowski’s belter salvaged a point for Everton. Tensions boiled over at the final whistle when Curtis Jones clashed with Abdoulaye Doucoure after the latter celebrated provocatively in front of the Liverpool fans. The altercation led to Jones being shown a red card, with Doucoure also dismissed for his actions.

Slot’s dismissal came in the aftermath of the chaotic scenes, reportedly for a sarcastic handshake and sharp words directed at referee Michael Oliver. Hulshoff was also sent off during the melee.

As Premier League guidelines stipulate, neither Slot nor Hulshoff was permitted to speak to the media after being shown red cards, leaving Everton manager David Moyes as the sole representative at the post-match press conference.

Although Liverpool could have opted to put forward a senior member of the coaching staff, such as third-in-command John Heitinga, they chose not to, leaving the media without any direct comments from the Liverpool camp.

Captain Virgil van Dijk did address the media, expressing his frustration with Oliver’s officiating.

“We saw how they celebrated the goal, they have every right to,” Van Dijk said.

“But in the end I think Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans and Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do.

“Then obviously you know what happens when there’s a little tussle.

“But 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.

“Both teams had to deal with it. It is what it is. Like I said, take the point and move on.”

As it stands Slot, Hulshoff and Jones will all miss the clash with Wolves on Sunday, with Heitinga expected to serve as stand-in head coach unless Liverpool appeal those red cards.