In a dramatic turn of events following Wednesday's heated Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, both Everton and Liverpool, along with Reds' head coach Arne Slot, have been charged by the Football Association (FA) for their roles in the post-match chaos.
The FA has accused both clubs of failing to control their players, who allegedly displayed "improper and/or provocative" behavior after the final whistle. The incident was sparked by James Tarkowski's controversial 98th-minute equalizer for Everton, which was confirmed following a VAR review. Liverpool strongly contested the goal, claiming Everton striker Beto had fouled Reds defender Ibrahima Konate in the build-up.
The situation escalated when Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated provocatively in front of Liverpool supporters, leading to a confrontation with Curtis Jones. Both players were subsequently shown second yellow cards and dismissed from the field.
Liverpool's coaching staff also found themselves at the center of the controversy. Head coach Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were both shown red cards after confronting referee Michael Oliver on the pitch. The FA has charged Slot with "improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour" toward Oliver and one of his assistants. Hulshoff faces similar charges for his conduct both before and after his dismissal.
Addressing the incident at a Friday news conference, Slot acknowledged his misconduct, admitting that "emotions got the better of me" and that he should have "acted differently." Despite initial reports on the Premier League website suggesting a two-match ban for Slot "for using offensive, insulting, or abusive language," this information was later removed due to what was described as human error.
The draw had significant implications for both teams, pushing Liverpool seven points clear at the Premier League summit while helping Everton climb to 15th position, now sitting 10 points above the relegation zone. All parties involved, including both clubs, Slot, and Hulshoff, have until February 19 to respond to the charges. Slot is expected to be present on the touchline for Liverpool's upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.
