Liverpool told how points deduction could follow after Arne Slot clash with Michael Oliver

Liverpool manager Arne Slot finds himself at the center of controversy following his two-match ban, which resulted from a heated clash with referee Michael Oliver after the recent Premier League draw against Everton. The Dutchman’s altercation with Oliver, which came after the referee allowed James Tarkowski’s late equalizer, has sparked discussions about whether harsher punishments, including potential points deductions, could be introduced for similar incidents in the future.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has suggested that the Premier League might consider implementing points sanctions for managers who overstep their bounds with referees. According to Hackett, the league could be tempted to take stricter action if confrontations between managers and officials continue to escalate.

Slot’s emotions got the better of him at Goodison Park, leading to his dismissal after the final whistle. Reflecting on the incident, the Liverpool boss admitted that he would have handled the situation differently if given the chance. “It happened a lot, and the emotions got the better of me,” Slot confessed. “If I could do it differently, if I look back at it, I would love to do it differently. I would do it (differently) next time as well.”

This season has already seen several high-profile managers run afoul of officials. Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler and Nottingham Forest’s Nuno Espirito Santo were both dismissed during their September clash, adding to growing concerns about the deteriorating relationship between managers and referees.

Hackett believes that referees could take measures to reduce confrontations by moving towards the tunnel immediately after matches rather than lingering on the pitch for post-game pleasantries. “I would like to see referees at the final whistle moving towards the tunnel rather than standing in the middle looking for handshakes and any complimentary comments,” Hackett told Football Insider. “This will, I feel, reduce any tensions that have built up in the game. I hope that the level of fines will receive a more controlled approach by the manager and his assistant.”

However, if fines prove ineffective, Hackett warned that points deductions could be introduced as a deterrent. He referenced the infamous 1990 clash between Manchester United and Arsenal, which led to the Gunners being deducted two points and United one after a mass confrontation on the pitch. “The last time they used that sanction for an on-field mass confrontation was in the game between Manchester United v Arsenal (in the 1990s), where I was the man in the middle,” Hackett recalled.

Despite Hackett’s remarks, the Premier League has not yet indicated any plans to implement points deductions for managerial misconduct. The league currently relies on fines and suspensions to maintain order, though persistent incidents could lead to discussions about alternative disciplinary measures.

Slot was not the only one facing repercussions after Liverpool’s feisty draw with Everton. Midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure each served one-match bans following their red cards. Additionally, Slot’s assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, was also suspended, forcing Liverpool to navigate their last league fixture without key figures on the touchline.

Despite these absences, Liverpool secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United, with John Heitinga stepping in to lead the team. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister ensured that the Reds did not suffer in Slot’s absence, providing a morale boost ahead of their crucial Carabao Cup final against the same opponents.

Slot’s suspension is limited to domestic competitions, meaning he will be back in the dugout for Liverpool’s Champions League encounter against Paris Saint-Germain before sitting out the upcoming league match against Southampton. The European clash will serve as an important test for the Reds, who are hoping to make a deep run in the tournament.

As Liverpool prepares for the remainder of the season, the debate over managerial discipline is likely to continue. Slot’s outburst highlights the intense pressure managers face in high-stakes matches, but whether stricter punishments like points deductions will be introduced remains to be seen.

For now, Liverpool fans will be more focused on how their team performs in Slot’s absence. With key fixtures ahead, the Reds must navigate these challenges without letting off-field controversies disrupt their title ambitions. Whether the Premier League will heed Hackett’s warning and introduce harsher penalties remains a topic of discussion, but for now, Liverpool will be eager to move past this episode and focus on their quest for silverware.