Keith Hackett believes points deductions could be introduced after Liverpool manager Arne Slot was among those fined for their behaviour in the Merseyside derby.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider he hopes the punishment issued after the Merseyside derby will create “a more controlled approach” from club officials, but expects the sanctions to get more serious is behaviour doesn’t improve.
It was a dramatic end to the final ever meeting between Everton and Liverpool to be held at Goodison Park last month.
James Tarkowski’s last minute volley snatched a 2-2 draw for the Toffees in that match, with appeals from Slot’s side for both offside and a foul overlooked.
Arne Slot fined after Everton and Liverpool clash at Goodison Park
At full time in that game, Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure’s celebration sparked a response from Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, that led to confrontations between both sides.
Meanwhile, Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were sent off by referee Michael Oliver after approaching in the centre of the pitch.
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Both were handed two-match touchline bans with the Liverpool manager also slapped with a £70,000 fine, with the two clubs also receiving financial penalties.
It has now emerged that punishment was issued after both Slot and Hulshoff were deemed to have approached Oliver aggressively, and used expletives when speaking to the referee.
Slot is also said to have told the official that he would blame him if Liverpool failed to win the Premier League this season, something which currently looks unlikely.
Hackett has now suggested that if punishments such as these do not deter such confrontations, even more serious action such as points deductions may have to be considered.
He did though also claim that after such games where tensions are high, referees should not wait on the field at full-time when that could lead to further confrontation.
| Premier League position | Played | Points |
| 1. Liverpool | 28 | 67 |
| 2. Arsenal | 27 | 54 |
Keith Hackett reacts to new Arne Slot revelations
After being asked what he makes of the reasons behind these punishments, the former referee told Football Insider:
“I would like to see referees at the final whistle moving towards the tunnel rather than standing in the middle looking for handshakes and any complimentary comments.
“This will I feel reduce any tensions that have built up in the game. I hope that the level of fines will receive a more controlled approach by the manager and his assistant.
“If these fines going forward do not have the desired effect then we may see points deductions coming into play.
“The last time they used that sanction for an on-field mass confrontation was in the game between Manchester United v Arsenal (in the 1990s) where I was the man in the middle.”
Slot and Hulshoff will complete their touchline bans on Saturday (8 March), when Liverpool host Southampton at Anfield.
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