March 04, (THEWILL) – Detailed findings from an independent England Football Association commission have uncovered the explosive verbal exchange between Liverpool manager Arne Slot and match officials following the Merseyside derby. The report provides a verbatim account of Slot’s confrontational behaviour, revealing he allegedly told referee Michael Oliver: “If we do not win the league, I will f*****g blame you” after a heated 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.
The commission’s report meticulously documented Slot’s interactions with the officials, noting that he first approached Oliver to claim he had “given everything” and hoped the referee was “proud of that performance”. Approximately one minute later, Slot returned to make the inflammatory statement about league implications. While Slot questioned the exact wording, suggesting he said, “If we do not win the league, I will have you to thank for that,” he ultimately accepted the charges brought against him.
The verbal confrontation emerged from a deeply contentious match where Liverpool felt multiple decisions had gone against them. Particularly controversial was a challenge on Ibrahima Konate in the build-up to James Tarkowski’s equalising goal, which the Liverpool management believed should have resulted in a foul. The extended stoppage time and the nature of the equaliser further heightened tensions on the pitch.
Slot was not alone in his aggressive conduct. His assistant manager, Sipke Hulshoff, was also documented as confronting the officials, telling the referee he was “f*****g s**t” and a “f*****g disgrace”. Hulshoff claimed he was referring to match decisions rather than personally insulting the officials. Both coaching staff members received touchline bans – Slot for two games and a £70,000 fine, while Hulshoff received a two-game ban and a £7,000 fine.
The incident extended beyond the coaching staff, with players Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure receiving red cards for their post-match confrontation. Doucoure had run 20 yards to celebrate in front of Liverpool supporters, prompting Jones to react aggressively. Everton manager David Moyes was disappointed with Doucoure’s behaviour, indicating the player would face internal disciplinary action. The FA report ultimately highlighted the volatile nature of the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
