Why Arne Slot is not on touchline to face Newcastle as Liverpool boss discovers Carabao Cup final fate

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot will not be on the touchline against Newcastle tonight following his red card two weeks ago.The Dutchman was sent off in the aftermath of his side’s 2-2 draw with Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.Liverpool boss Slot was one of four red cards during the last Merseyside derbyGettyHe will now serve a two-match touchline ban beginning tonight for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Newcastle, live on talkSPORT.However, crucially, this means Slot will be allowed to return to the dugout at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final against the Magpies.He was among the people handed their marching orders by referee Michael Oliver after tensions flared following Everton‘s late equaliser.Liverpool looked on course to win the final Merseyside derby at Goodison after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah.Instead, James Tarkowski’s thunderous 98th-minute strike earned the home side a share of the spoils to split the bragging rights.The goal was awarded after lengthy VAR checks for a possible foul and an offside and also came after referee Oliver turned a blind eye to Salah being tripped on the edge of the Everton penalty area.David Moyes‘ men duly came down the other end and found a vital equaliser, which left Slot infuriated on the touchline.After the final whistle, the Reds boss shared a tense exchange and an angry handshake with Oliver, which led to the official brandishing a red card.Slot’s dismissal was said to have been for using ‘offensive, insulting, or abusive language’ – with his assistant Spike Hulshoff also sent off.It was then confirmed last Friday that Everton, Liverpool, Slot, and his assistant were all charged by the FA.Slot was left furious as Liverpool let their lead slip late onGettyA statement 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.“Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff have until next Wednesday, 19 February, to provide their respective responses.”They have since provided those responses and accepted the charges.Ex-Everton man Heitinga could be tasked with the responsibility of maintaining Liverpool’s title bidGettyThe 46-year-old, who has already served a touchline ban this season, has been allowed on the touchline in the three matches since then.Slot was permitted to oversee a 2-1 win over Wolves, a 3-3 draw with Aston Villa and Sunday’s 2-0 win over Man City.He will now serve the first part of his latest suspension in Liverpool’s return to Anfield Newcastle this evening, live on talkSPORT.Slot will also be sidelined for Saturday’s meeting with Southampton, who were ironically the team he missed out on facing during his first ban. Former Feyenoord gaffer Slot was previously absent for the Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Southampton in December.That original suspension came during the Carabao Cup – where he handed the reigns to Hulshoff for the 2-1 quarter-final win after accumulating three yellow cards in the Premier League.Crucially, the timing of his latest ban means he will be back for the final, which is Liverpool’s next domestic dust-up after facing the Saints this weekend.With both Slot and Hulshoff set to miss out, John Heitinga may be given the nod.The former Everton defender joined Slot’s Liverpool coaching staff last summer and even attracted managerial interest from West Brom.The 41-year-old spent the previous season at West Ham as an assistant but left alongside now-Toffees manager Moyes.Heitinga started his coaching career at boyhood club Ajax in 2017, shortly after retiring with them as a player.talkSPORT BET OfferBet £10 get £30 in free betsCLAIM HERET&Cs: 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyCheck out all the best free bets and offers from talkSPORT and our partners