Liverpool to be managed by ex-Everton hero vs Newcastle after Arne Slot's extended FA ban

Former Everton star John Heitinga is set to take charge of Liverpool against Newcastle after Arne Slot was handed a two-match ban.

The Dutchman will be absent from the touchline for two games beginning with the Magpies after being punished for confronting officials in the fallout of the Reds' derby match with Everton. Slot has also been fined £70,000.

The Liverpool boss was shown a red card for his interaction with Michael Oliver as Goodison Park descended into chaos after Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of Liverpool supporters. The Toffees midfielder sparked a brawl as he was challenged by Curtis Jones for his actions and both were sent off.

Slot's assistant Sipke Hulshoff, who would usually deputise for the clash against Newcastle, has also been banned for two matches and fined £7,000. Both clubs were fined for failing to control players with Everton being penalised £65,000 and Liverpool £50,000.

That sees Heitinga likely to take charge on the sidelines at Anfield on Wednesday night. The Dutch defender joined Slot's team in the summer.

The former central defender spent five years with Everton during his playing career and has already spent time in charge of Ajax since becoming a coach. In addition, the Reds coach has also worked under David Moyes at West Ham.

Heitinga has been linked with head coach roles this term, with West Brom said to have been interested in his services at the end of last year. Liverpool will hope his experience pulls through for them, with Slot previously acknowledging he shares a lot in common with the 41-year-old.

"One of the reasons why we work together is because we have so much in common, if it’s about playing style, game model or the changes we make during the game," Slot said earlier this season.

"John Heitinga is now here with me for the first half season and I couldn’t have wished for more. Very, if I say, talented, I do not even rate him high enough because he’s more than that already, he’s been a head coach himself but he’s still young.

"He grew into our staff from the start in a very good manner. He has the same idea about football, that’s why I chose him to come to us as well. But the way he is with the boys is very positive. All the things we do we do together."

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