Arne Slot facing extended Premier League ban after Merseyside derby red card | OneFootball

The Premier League sparked confusion over Arne Slot's potential suspension by deleting a statement which initially claimed the boss' red card after Wednesday's Merseyside derby would lead to a two-game ban.

James Tarkowski's 98th-minute equaliser raised tensions in an already raucous Goodison Park, and things only escalated after the final whistle. Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were both sent off for sparking an on-field brawl, before Slot and assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards.

Slot was visibly stunned at his dismissal, which the Premier League initially stated came as a result of the Dutchman's use of "offensive, insulting or abusive language" towards a match official, with a two-match ban revealed as his punishment.

However, the short update was later deleted from the Premier League's website amid social media speculation that Slot's punishment had not yet been formalised.

A red card for a manager does not immediately lead to a touchline ban but does prompt an investigation from the Premier League and the Football Association, who will then determine whether any further punishment is necessary.

Should Slot's two-game ban be formalised, he would miss Sunday's visit from Wolverhampton Wanderers as well as Liverpool's trip to Aston Villa next Wednesday.

Hulshoff would be the usual replacement for Slot but could also miss the Wolves game at the very least.

In the absence of both Slot and Hulshoff, managerial duties are expected to be left to coach John Heitinga.