Liverpool manager Arne Slot was shown a red card in a bizarre moment after the 2-2 draw against Everton in the Merseyside derby. The decision left fans stunned, with many questioning what exactly had happened during his post-match handshake with referee Michael Oliver.

After a heated match that saw Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure both sent off following a late-game confrontation, tensions remained high. However, no one expected Slot to be shown a red card after the final whistle—especially over a simple handshake.

Speaking to the media, referee Michael Oliver clarified his decision: “A handshake is meant to be a gesture of respect, but in this case, it was done in a manner that I deemed inappropriate and provocative. I had no choice but to act accordingly.”

Footage of the incident showed Slot looking visibly confused as Oliver reached into his pocket and brandished the red card immediately after their handshake. The Dutch manager was seen asking, “You’re sending me off for that?!” before being ushered down the tunnel.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was also left frustrated by the referee’s decisions throughout the match: “I don’t think he managed the game well. Doucoure was provoking our fans, Curtis reacted, and suddenly everything escalated. But a red card for a handshake? That’s difficult to understand.”

The incident quickly sparked debate online, with fans speculating about the intensity and tone of Slot’s handshake. Was it too firm? Too sarcastic? Did Oliver take offense to something Slot said in the moment?

Regardless, the red card means Arne Slot will be banned from the touchline for Liverpool’s next game against Wolves, adding to the club’s growing frustrations with refereeing decisions this season.