Liverpool and Everton Charged by FA After Tensions Flare in Merseyside Derby | OneFootball

Liverpool and Everton Hit with FA Charges After Merseyside Derby Drama

The Football Association has charged both Liverpool and Everton, along with Reds manager Arne Slot, following the heated aftermath of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. The dramatic conclusion to the match saw tensions boil over, culminating in multiple red cards and a series of disciplinary charges.

Disciplinary Charges Explained

Liverpool and Everton face charges for failing to ensure their players “did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way” after the final whistle. The Merseyside derby, known for its intensity, lived up to its reputation as emotions spilled over after Everton’s late equaliser.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has also been singled out by the FA for allegedly acting “in an improper manner and/or using insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour” towards referee Michael Oliver and one of his assistants. Slot’s assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, is facing similar allegations for his conduct both before and after his dismissal.

The clubs, Slot, and Hulshoff have been given until Wednesday, 19 February, to respond to the charges.

Photo: IMAGO

Late Equaliser Ignites Tensions

The flashpoint occurred when Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser, which stood after a VAR review. Liverpool’s players were incensed, arguing that the goal should have been disallowed due to a push by Everton striker Beto on Reds defender Ibrahima Konate.

As the final whistle sounded, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of Liverpool fans, sparking a confrontation with Reds midfielder Curtis Jones. Both players received second yellow cards and were sent off.

Slot and Hulshoff were shown red cards shortly afterwards for approaching Oliver and protesting the decision.

Slot Admits to Losing Composure

Speaking to the media on Friday, Slot conceded: “Emotions got the better of me,” acknowledging that he should have handled the situation differently.

The 2-2 draw leaves Liverpool seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, while Everton climbed to 15th, now 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite the red card, Slot is still expected to be on the touchline when Liverpool face Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.

A Premier League website error mistakenly reported a two-match ban for Slot, citing offensive language. The league later retracted the post, attributing the mistake to human error.

What Comes Next?

Both clubs now face an anxious wait as they prepare their responses to the FA’s charges. Merseyside derbies are always fierce, but this latest instalment has left both sides with more than just points to consider.