Why Arne Slot is not on touchline to face Newcastle as Liverpool boss discovers Carabao Cup final fate

Following his red card two weeks ago, Liverpool manager Arne Slot will not be present on the touchline against Newcastle tonight.

In the aftermath of his team’s 2-2 draw with Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, the Dutchman was dismissed.

He will now be subject to a two-match touchline ban that will commence tonight, commencing with Liverpool’s Premier League match against Newcastle, which will be broadcast live on talkSPORT.

Nevertheless, this is of the utmost importance, as it enables Slot to reclaim his position in the dugout at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final against the Magpies.

Referee Michael Oliver issued his marching orders to him after Everton’s late equaliser exacerbated tensions.

Liverpool appeared to be on the verge of winning the final Merseyside derby at Goodison following the goals of Mohamed Salah and Alexis MacAllister.

Instead, the home team was awarded a share of the spoils to share the bragging rights as a result of James Tarkowski’s thunderous 98th-minute strike.

The goal was awarded following extensive VAR investigations for a potential foul and offside, as well as after referee Oliver failed to notice Salah’s tripping on the edge of the Everton penalty area.

David Moyes’ team subsequently advanced down the other end and secured a crucial equaliser, causing Slot to become furious on the touchline.

The official brandished a red card after the Reds boss shared a tense exchange and an angry handshake with Oliver after the final whistle.

According to reports, Slot was terminated for employing “offensive, insulting, or abusive language.” Additionally, his assistant, Spike Hulshoff, was terminated.

Last Friday, the FA confirmed that Everton, Liverpool, Slot, and his assistant had all been charged.

Statement: “It is alleged that both clubs neglected to ensure that their players and/or technical area occupants did not engage in improper and/or provocative behaviour following the final whistle.”

“After the match had concluded, the Liverpool manager is purportedly accused of acting in an improper manner and/or using insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee.”

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 resulted in his dismissal.

“It is also 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.”

“Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff have until next Wednesday, 19 February, to provide their respective responses.”

They have since submitted those responses and have acknowledged the charges.

The 46-year-old, who has already served a touchline ban this season, has been permitted to be on the touchline in the three matches that have occurred since then.

Slot was permitted to referee a 2-1 victory over Wolves, a 3-3 draw with Aston Villa, and a 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday.

He will now serve the initial portion of his most recent suspension during Liverpool’s visit to Anfield Newcastle this evening, which will be broadcast live on talkSPORT.

Additionally, Slot will be unable to participate in Saturday’s match against Southampton, a team that he was unable to face during his initial suspension.

Slot, the former manager of Feyenoord, was previously absent for the Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Southampton in December.

The initial suspension occurred during the Carabao Cup, when he transferred the leadership to Hulshoff for the 2-1 quarter-final victory after accruing three yellow cards in the Premier League.

The timing of his most recent suspension is of the utmost importance, as it guarantees his return for the final, Liverpool’s subsequent domestic matchup following their encounter with the Saints this weekend.

As both Slot and Hulshoff are expected to be omitted, John Heitinga may be selected.

Last summer, the former Everton defender became a member of Slot’s Liverpool coaching staff and even garnered managerial interest from West Brom.

The 41-year-old served as an assistant at West Ham during the previous season, but he departed in conjunction with Moyes, who is currently the manager of the Toffees.

Heitinga initiated his coaching career at his alma mater, Ajax, in 2017, shortly after retiring from the team as a player.