Arne Slot Blames Referee for Liverpool's Title Hopes

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been fined £70,000 and given a two-match touchline ban after confronting referee Michael Oliver following a 2-2 draw with Everton. Slot allegedly told Oliver he would blame him if Liverpool failed to win the Premier League, a claim he disputes, stating he said he would have Oliver to thank instead. The independent Football Association commission found Slot's language was inappropriate, reinforcing that the exact wording did not affect the severity of the sanction. Slot admitted to letting his frustration over refereeing decisions get the better of him. He has since apologized both privately and publicly for his actions, which the commission noted were not representative of the conduct expected from a manager. His assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, also received a two-match ban and was fined for his behavior during the incident.