Arne Slot rant at Merseyside derby referee led to wild points deduction proposal
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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 deductionsArne 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.READ MORE: How Liverpool could line up next season with 3 transfers to transform Arne Slot's sideREAD MORE: Arne Slot makes bold prediction for next season and hits back at Liverpool 'doubts'The extraordinary 2-2 draw proved a fitting send-off for Everton's beloved former ground, Goodison Park.
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.
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. 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.