Summary

  1. Recap: Slot sanctioned after derbypublished at 11:10 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been handed a two-game touchline ban due to his actions following the 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.

    Slot was given a red card for approaching referee Michael Oliver on the pitch.

    Here are the key talking points:

  2. get involved

    Get Involved - Ten Hag's comments on players taking criticismpublished at 11:06 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Very "back in my day" sentiments going on here. Older generations didn't have 24/7 clickbait, social media and "fan cam" culture that scrutinises a player's every move. Football fans these days don't seem to realise form is a thing; a stray pass deems someone "washed." The criticism is far greater in volume and vitriol from every source. You can't say "we had thicker skin" when you weren't operating vaguely the same atmosphere.

    Erin

    Were players more thick skinned, or were they expected to accept it and get on with things? How many players descended into mental health issues and problem drinking in the past? Stress, depression etc all existed, but if you were a real man, you didn't show them.

    Alex, London

  3. 'We have no doubt Palmer will score more'published at 11:02 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Chelsea

    Cole Palmer remains Chelsea's top scorer this season, but he has not found the net in his last six league games nor provided a Premier League assist since 1 December.

    His manager Enzo Maresca is backing the England international to rediscover his form soon, here's what he had to say after Chelsea's 4-0 win over Southampton last night...

    Media caption,

    Chelsea: Maresca backing Palmer to rediscover form

  4. get involved

    Get Involved - Slot given touchline banpublished at 10:58 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Slot's ban doesn't come at an ideal time with Newcastle coming to town, but four points from the Villa and City games have put the team in a good place, and he can afford to sit this one out. Also Southampton next, and comes back just in time for the final. No worries. £70k though!? Yikes!

    Mo

    Fair play to Slot. He defended his team passionately, called out the officials in the heat of the moment and has since calmly owned his failing publicly and accepted the charge and subsequent time in the penitentiary. Everything set up for a raucous Merseyside Derby round two now.

    Dan, Lincoln

  5. Slot will be on Wembley touchlinepublished at 10:52 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    While Arne Slot's first league game back after his touchline ban will be against Everton, his first match back in all competitions is also a big one - the League Cup final.

    Slot will lead Liverpool against Newcastle at Wembley on 16 March, eight days after his suspension concludes versus Southampton.

  6. Slot to make league return against... Evertonpublished at 10:48 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Arne Slot on the touchline against EvertonImage source, Getty Images

    It's worth noting that Arne Slot's first Premier League game back from suspension will be against - you guessed it - Everton.

    The return Merseyside derby fixture will take place on Wednesday 2 April at Anfield.

    You couldn't write a better script.

  7. What did Slot do?published at 10:43 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Michael Oliver shows Arne Slot a straight red cardImage source, Getty Images

    Arne Slot was sent off following the final whistle of Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on 12 February.

    After a dramatic finish that saw Everton equalise deep into stoppage time, Slot confronted referee Michael Oliver on the pitch and looked to firmly shake his hand and was swiftly brandished a red card.

    It wasn't the handshake itself that caused the sending off but rather what Slot said during the confrontation.

    A statement from the FA read: "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."

  8. Slot banned from touchline for tonight's gamepublished at 10:39 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    The suspension takes effect immediately, meaning Arne Slot will not be on the touchline tonight when Liverpool host Newcastle at Anfield in the Premier League.

    He will also be banned for the Reds' home game against Southampton on 8 March.

    As the ban is for domestic games only, Slot will be allowed in the technical area when Liverpool visit PSG in their Champions League round of 16 first leg, between those league games.

  9. FA statement on Slotpublished at 10:36 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff [Liverpool assistant manager] in relation to the Premier League fixture between the clubs on Wednesday 12 February.

    "It was 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. Everton and Liverpool admitted the charges, and the Regulatory Commission imposed £65,000 and £50,000 fines on them respectively following a hearing.

    "It was alleged that the Liverpool head coach 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. Arne Slot admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £70,000 fine.

    "It was alleged that the Liverpool assistant head coach 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 was 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. Sipke Hulshoff admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a two-match touchline suspension and £7,000 fine.

    "The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for these sanctions will be published in due course."

  10. Slot given two-match banpublished at 10:34 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February
    Breaking

    Liverpool

    Breaking news from the Premier League.

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been given a two-match touchline ban due to his actions following their 2-2 draw away to Everton earlier this month.

  11. 'Everything is on the table right now'published at 10:32 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Wolves 1-2 Fulham

    Mark Schwarzer
    Former Chelsea & Fulham goalkeeper on Football Daily

    Rodrigo Muniz of Fulham and Andreas PereiraImage source, Getty Images

    Fulham look like they have evolved, like they have been in the Premier League for a number of seasons now and that's the type of quality of players they have brought in and obviously under the guidance of Marco Silva.

    I think seventh is the highest ever finish for Fulham in the Premier League, qualified for Europe that year, that was the year I saw there as well.

    It would be wonderful if they could do that and more and I think they are more than capable of doing it. This is a season like none other and I think everything is on the table right now.

  12. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 10:28 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    This season has really shaped up brilliantly for the chase to finish in the top four. I can't remember the last time when so many teams, from third down to 10th, could genuinely and realistically all still have a shot of achieving the goal. Excited to see who has the legs to go the distance!

    Lawrence

  13. Five points separate eight teams in top four racepublished at 10:23 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Victories for Chelsea and Brighton, but defeat for Bournemouth, means the race for Champions League qualification in the Premier League remains remarkably close.

    Just out of picture are Fulham and Aston Villa, both on 42 points. It is so tight...

    Premier League tableImage source, BBC Sport
  14. Postpublished at 10:22 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    While the title race and relegation fight are looking to be heading in a certain way before the end of February, the battle to qualify for Europe is anything but predictable.

    Here's how the complex picture looks after last night...

  15. get involved

    Get Involved - Ten Hag's comments on players taking criticismpublished at 10:17 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    In many ways I like Ten Hag and I thought after leading Man Utd to an FA Cup win he might get another season. His comments today I think give us an insight into why he was let go. In football, just like all walks of life, a one size fits all approach doesn’t work. Some players need a kick up the behind and some an arm round the shoulder and it was always thus.

    Colin

    While I agree in principle with what Ten Hag is saying, there is something to be said about the duty of the managers and coaching staff having to adapt to the modern game and players. Generational changes are hardly likely, so it's on the manager to adapt how he approaches the task of improving his players and team. With all the issues Ten Hag faced at Man United, it's clear he just didn't quite get that right - compare this with Solskjaer, who eventually struggled for results, but also arguably had the happiest Man United team in a decade.

    Aly

  16. Messi fined after grabbing neck of opposition coachpublished at 10:12 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Lionel Messi looks onImage source, Getty Images

    Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by the MLS for violating the league's policy relating to raising hands to the face, head or neck of an opponent.

    The MLS Disciplinary Committee took the decision to fine Inter Miami forward Messi, 37, following an incident at the end of the 2-2 draw with New York City FC on 22 February.

    The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was seen approaching a member of the opposition coaching staff and putting his hand on the back of their neck.

    Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy, after he pinched the back of opposing player Birk Risa's neck in an incident at half-time.

  17. Sorloth late goal holds Barca to draw in eight-goal thrillerpublished at 10:08 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid

    Alexander Sorloth celebrates after scoring against BarcelonaImage source, Getty Images

    Alexander Sorloth's late leveller was the final word in a thrilling match as Atletico Madrid secured a dramatic 4-4 draw with Barcelona on Tuesday.

    Momentum swung back and forth in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, with former Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez stunning the hosts after just 50 seconds and ex-Barcelona man Antoine Griezmann adding a second soon after.

    The hosts recovered from their sluggish start with a Pedri finish and a Pau Cubarsi header drawing them level with 19 minutes on the clock.

    Another first-half header from Inigo Martinez and a second-half finish from Robert Lewandowski appeared to have set Hansi Flick's team on the way to a win, before Atletico Madrid mounted a comeback of their own.

    Marcos Llorente got a third for Diego Simeone's side late on, before substitute Sorloth clinched a dramatic draw in the third minute of added time to leave the tie in the balance.

  18. Celtic sweep aside Aberdeen to go 16 clear in Scottish Premiershippublished at 10:02 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Celtic 5-1 Aberdeen

    Celtic

    Jota and Daizen Maeda celebrate during their win over AberdeenImage source, PA Media

    Ruthless Celtic extended their advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 16 points by cruising past Aberdeen in Glasgow.

    Brendan Rodgers' side were within minutes of setting a new record of 10 successive home league victories without conceding a goal before Shayden Morris' 90th-minute consolation.

    It was, however, a rare shaft of light on a gloomy evening for Aberdeen, who failed to capitalise on their sprightly start. Oday Dabbagh spurned a chance from close range and Kevin Nisbet steered wide after a wayward pass from Kasper Schmeichel.

    Celtic showed no such mercy at the other end. First-half goals from Daizen Maeda, Jota and Callum McGregor effectively killed the contest.

    Maeda - with a similarly opportunistic effort to Saturday's strike at Hibernian - seized upon on a deflected Arne Engels shot, burning Mats Knoester to volley in.

  19. Postpublished at 10:00 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    Away from the Premier League, there was plenty of other football related drama on Tuesday evening. Here are the headlines...

  20. get involved

    Get Involved - Ten Hag's comments on players taking criticismpublished at 09:55 Greenwich Mean Time 26 February

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Life has changed significantly over the last few decades. If we had the technology and social media back in Ten Hag's time that we do today, a lot of those players would arguably be faced with disciplinary action by their clubs. You just have to hear the endless stories from ex-professionals. They were just fortunate that there wasn't the exposure that there is today.

    Lawrence