Arne Slot's Two-Match Touchline Ban: Implications and Restrictions

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been handed a two-match touchline ban and fined £70,000 by the Football Association following his red card during the Merseyside derby on February 12. Slot admitted to charges of acting "in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee." The incident occurred after a heated exchange with referee Michael Oliver at the conclusion of the match, which saw Everton's Abdoulaye Doucouré and Liverpool's Curtis Jones sent off for second bookable offenses.

Impact on Liverpool’s Matches

Slot will miss Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United on Wednesday and Southampton on March 8. However, he will be available for the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on March 5.

Restrictions During the Ban

• Stadium Access: Slot is allowed to be in the stadium but not on the touchline.
• Communication with the Bench: He can communicate with his coaching staff via phone or a 'runner' according to the Football Association’s Media Essentials Guide.
• Prematch Warmup: Slot is prohibited from participating in the team’s warmup before, during, or after the match.
• Changing Room Access: He is permitted to enter the changing room before the match and at halftime to address the team.

An 'extended' touchline ban, which would have prevented Slot from communicating with the team 30 minutes before and after the game, was not imposed.