Liverpool points deduction latest amid Arne Slot response and Arsenal title hope Arsenal are hoping for a surprise Premier League title race twist courtesy of Liverpool being docked points

Liverpool are currently 13 points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League table, but an unexpected turn of events could see that change. The Reds and Arne Slot were recently sanctioned by the FA following the brawl that ensued after their draw against Everton.

While attempts were made to separate Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure, Slot took issue with Michael Oliver and was shown a red card for something he said. As part of the FA investigation that followed, it was claimed he told Oliver: "If we don’t win the league, I’ll f****** blame you."

Liverpool were ultimately fined £50,000 while Slot was handed a two-match ban and required to pay £70,000. Normally, these sort of incidents are forgotten about once the FA publish their findings, but that has not been the case here.

Punishment verdict

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett was the one who suggested points deductions would be possible, upon referencing his own experience with that type of punishment.

"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," Hackett told Football Insider.

"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 response to referee incident

In the aftermath of his tirade against Oliver, Slot reflected on his actions with a clear response. "I chose to go on the pitch instead of staying calm staying inside and then talking to Michael," he said in a press conference.

"Now I don't have the same emotions anymore so I think I should set a better example than I set back then and don't go into the situation again.

It's clear what I've written and what Michael has written. Michael has been in the news quite a lot recently and I don't think it helps if I add something to that now I have my emotions under control."