Arne Slot accepts FA charge after Liverpool boss was sent off in chaos following Merseyside derby – with punishment still to be decided

Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff have accepted an FA charge as the fallout from last Wednesday’s ill-tempered Merseyside Derby continues.

Slot and his assistant were sent off for protestations towards referee Michael Oliver as the angry pair charged on to the pitch following the 2-2 draw, in which Everton scored a 98th-minute equaliser.

An FA statement on Friday read: ‘It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way following the final whistle.

‘The Liverpool manager allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished.

‘It is alleged that Liverpool’s assistant manager acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official, which led to his dismissal. It is further alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off.’

Mail Sport understands the club, Slot and long-term right-hand man Hulshoff have accepted the charges and have not challenged them.

Both the Liverpool manager and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff have accepted FA charges

The matter is now back with the FA to decide on what punishment to hand Slot with. No hearing is likely to be needed and the fact he has accepted his charge will work in his favour in terms of the severity of the punishment.

Should, as expected, Slot be banned from the touchline for a certain number of matches – and Hulshoff get the same punishment – former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga would be next in line to take the team from the sidelines on game days.