'Emotions got the better of me' – slot reflects on derby red card

Arne Slot admitted he let his emotions take over after being sent off during Liverpool's dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton in midweek.

Liverpool were on the verge of opening up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League table at Goodison Park on 12 february, only for James Tarkowski to smash home a volley in the eighth minute of stoppage time to snatch a point for the hosts.

The celebrations that followed Abdoulaye Doucoure's goal sparked a heated altercation between both sets of players. Curtis Jones confronted Doucoure, leading to red cards for both men, while tensions escalated further with some fans spilling onto the pitch. As stewards and police intervened, referee Michael Oliver also dismissed Liverpool manager Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.

Speaking on 14 february, Slot admitted there were "many things in stoppage time that led to me being quite emotional" but refrained from discussing the details.

"I think what happened was that the intended five minutes of added time ended up becoming eight… and emotions got the better of me," Slot said. "Looking back, I would love to have handled it differently. I hope I will next time. But with the ongoing process, I don't want to say too much about what exactly happened."

The Dutchman now awaits a decision from the Football Association, which will review Oliver's match report before determining whether he will face further punishment. He could escape with no further action, receive a warning, or be charged, which could lead to a touchline ban.

Slot, in his first season at Anfield, took pride in how his players handled the intensity of the derby, particularly against an Everton side showing improvement under David Moyes, who is in his second spell at the club.

"We've been praised so many times this season for how well we play, but the team showed a different side of themselves on Wednesday," he said. "They were mentally so strong in what was probably the most difficult circumstances for them. The way they stayed together, fought so hard, and remained resilient gives me confidence for the next 14 games.

"I already knew how well they could play, but the togetherness they displayed throughout the 98 minutes shows me we are a very, very difficult team to beat."

Moyes, speaking in his own press conference, expressed his sympathy for Slot's situation.

"I feel for Arne Slot because when I was a younger manager, I often got involved in heated situations," he said. "It shows he cares about his club and is fighting for his players."