Arne Slot rant at Merseyside derby referee led to wild points deduction proposal

Liverpool boss Arne Slot confronted referee Michael Oliver after Everton's dramatic 98th-minute equaliser in the February 2025 Merseyside Derby, earning a two-match ban as former PGMOL chief speculated about future points deductions

Arne Slot was involved in an angry showdown with Michael Oliver(Image: Getty Images)

The Merseyside Derby ranks amongst the Premier League's most fiercely contested fixtures. This Sunday afternoon sees Everton welcome city rivals Liverpool to Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 248th instalment of this iconic clash.

While the match will make history as the first derby contested at Everton's spectacular new riverside home, it is far more likely to be defined by what unfolds on the pitch.

It was in the aftermath of the tempestuous derby on 12th February 2025 that Liverpool manager Arne Slot was widely believed to have overstepped the mark in his confrontation with referee Michael Oliver, with calls for a points deduction circulating in the wake of the encounter.

The extraordinary 2-2 draw proved a fitting send-off for Everton's beloved former ground, Goodison Park. Liverpool appeared set to claim all three points courtesy of strikes from Mo Salah and Alexis Mac Allister, before Blues defender James Tarkowski struck a breathtaking equaliser in the 98th minute in front of the Gwladys Street end, sending the home faithful into delirium, reports the Mirror.

The goal, however, was only awarded following a protracted VAR review for a potential foul on Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, much to Slot's visible frustration. That goal, and its turbulent aftermath, served as a fitting one-minute encapsulation of the 120 derbies played at Goodison throughout the ground's storied and illustrious history.

Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure goaded Liverpool supporters following his side's late equaliser, prompting a confrontation with Reds player Curtis Jones, as players from both camps clashed before referee Oliver brandished red cards to both men.

Slot launched into a heated exchange with Oliver at the final whistle, making his feelings abundantly clear regarding the decision to allow Tarkowski's stoppage-time goal to stand, ultimately earning himself a two-match touchline ban. Slot's assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, was also dismissed amid the ensuing chaos.

In the aftermath, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett suggested the explosive incident could have set the stage for points deductions, arguing that the customary approach of issuing fines to those who cross the line was no longer adequate.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"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.

"If these fines going forward do not have the desired effect then we may see points deductions coming into play. 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." Arsenal were docked two points following that 1990 encounter, while United received a one-point sanction. Despite Hackett's suggestion, there has been no sign from the Premier League that points deductions for on-pitch incidents are being considered.

Following the match, Slot commented: "It happened a lot and the emotions got the better of me. 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."

Liverpool may have surrendered two points in that memorable clash, but it didn't prevent them from securing their 20th league title in May. This season, though, the Merseyside derby arrives in a completely different context, with both Liverpool and Everton embroiled in a tense battle for European qualification places.