MONTREAL -- Brady and Matthew Tkachuk came out hitting, started scoring and put together a display of brotherly dominance playing together for the first time on a big stage.

The Tkachuks each scored twice, flourishing after being put on the ice at the same time, as the United States beat Finland 6-1 on Thursday night in each team's opening game at the 4 Nations Face-Off, a physical showdown played with edge throughout.

"That's the way we play, one of the reasons why we're on the team," said Matthew Tkachuk, a reigning Stanley Cup champion who finished with three points. "You don't change your game. You play your identity. It's up to us and the rest of the guys to play to your strengths. That's one of them."

Everyone was finishing checks, including Jack Eichel dumping Finnish captain Aleksander Barkov into the U.S. bench. Brady Tkachuk bowled over 6-foot-6 Niko Mikkola with one of his game-high eight hits, and Matthew Tkachuk gave Patrik Laine an earful before a faceoff as the Americans began to take over.

Matthew called Brady "a beast," and coach Mike Sullivan said the brothers "just have a funny way of dragging us into the fight."

"We kind of knew what to expect after watching [the Canada-Sweden] game that it was going to be fast and physical," said defenseman Zach Werenski, who had three assists. "We have some guys on this team that can do that, right? You have the Tkachuks. We got [J.T.] Miller. We got a lot of big bodies. Eichel was throwing his body around tonight. I thought the pace was really good. I thought the physicality was good, and I thought we responded well to all of it."

The scoreboard made it look like more of a rout than it was for the first two periods, when quality chances were at a premium and space on the ice was hard to find. Matt Boldy scored the go-ahead goal on a textbook deflection of Minnesota Wild teammate Brock Faber's shot late in the second, then the floodgates opened early in the third.

Many fans hadn't even returned to their seats from intermission when Matthew Tkachuk sailed a long shot in past Juuse Saros 15 seconds into the period. Saros gave up another softie to Jake Guentzel 11 seconds later, and Brady Tkachuk beat the struggling Nashville goaltender again to make it three U.S. goals in three minutes.

"The start of the third, it was -- I don't know how to say that, but we weren't ready for that," said Finland coach Antti Pennanen, who acknowledged he and his staff considered pulling Saros.

That onslaught quieted the very pro-Finland crowd full of Canadians eager to root against their country's biggest hockey rival. Some even booed the U.S. anthem before the game, and there was plenty more where that came from for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews several times he touched the puck.

Matthew Tkachuk added another goal for good measure on the power play with 8:47 left, and that was enough for the "U-S-A!" chants to fill the bowl at Bell Centre. In the waning minutes, a few U.S. fans proclaimed, "We want Canada!"

They face off Saturday night.

"I think it's going to be the biggest game that I've ever played in my career," Brady Tkachuk said. "We've been talking about that game especially. Really excited to experience it."

Finland gave fans only one real opportunity to cheer, when late-added defenseman Henri Jokiharju beat Connor Hellebuyck clean on a shot 7:31 in to make it 1-0. Hellebuyck stopped the next 18 shots he faced to finish with 20 saves.

The same could not be said for Saros, who allowed six goals on 32 shots and could be replaced in net by Kevin Lankinen for Finland's game against Sweden on Saturday.

"Of course we need to think about that," Pennanen said. "It was a tough day for Juuse. He was really good the first 40 minutes, but I think we need to analyze this game and make those decisions tomorrow or Saturday."

The U.S. does not need to worry about making a switch there, but Sullivan made some keen midgame adjustments that contributed to his team moving to the top of the 4 Nations standings one turn through round-robin play.

During the second period, Sullivan moved Brady Tkachuk to left wing with Eichel and Matthew Tkachuk and sent Kyle Connor to the second line alongside Matthews and Jack Hughes. He flip-flopped his second and third defense pairs to put Noah Hanifin with Adam Fox and Jaccob Slavin with Brock Faber.

"We've been together for four days," Eichel said. "He's coached for quite a while. I think we're all trying to find chemistry and get comfortable with each other. That could mean some changes in lines and pairings and whatnot. I think everyone was prepared when their number was called and helped contribute to the win."

The Dallas Stars signed forward Sam Steel to a two-year, $4.2 million contract extension on Friday.

The deal with Steel, 27, starts with the 2025-26 season and runs through the 2026-27 campaign.

Steel has recorded 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) in 53 games this season, his second with Dallas.

"We are thrilled to extend Sam for the next two years," Stars general manager Jim Nill said. "His versatility on both ends of the ice have proven to be a huge asset for our team. He is a player that we can count on to make a positive impact and do the little things that lead to wins."

A first-round pick by Anaheim in 2016, Steel has tallied 134 points (47 goals, 87 assists) in 392 career games for the Ducks (2018-22), Minnesota Wild (2022-23) and Stars.

The opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off was a close one -- a 4-3 overtime win for Canada over Sweden. The second contest was also close ... for 37 minutes.

Finland and the United States were tied 1-1 until 17:04 of the second, but then the U.S. hit the afterburners -- and cranked up "Free Bird" on the Bell Centre sound system on repeat -- en route to a 6-1 rout.

The Finns will next take on their rival Sweden on Saturday (1 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+), and the U.S. will face Canada in the nightcap (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+/Disney+).

Before those games, let's digest the U.S. victory over Finland. Here are grades for both teams, our biggest takeaways, key players to watch for the next game as well as lingering questions.

Grading the teams

United States: A

Anything less than a regulation win against shorthanded Finland would been embarrassing for Team USA, especially after Canada left a point on the table against Sweden last night in an overtime win. For a while, that looked like a possibility: Finland was doing as Finland does against elite opponents -- grinding down the tempo and taking an early lead. One of the best signs for the Americans in this win: zero panic and plenty of poise for a team that doesn't have anything close to the "best on best" or NHL championship experience of a team like Canada.

Team USA found its swagger in the last 23 minutes, from Matt Boldy's expert deflection on Minnesota Wild teammate Brock Faber's point shot to make it 3-1, through their three goals in three minutes to open the third period and put away the game.

Some might say the final score doesn't tell the whole story because the U.S. scored four goals in the final period, but I think it does. The Americans were plus-15 in scoring chances and had an expected goals percentage of 72.5% at 5-on-5. Even when the game was close, it was inevitable. When there were breakdowns, Connor Hellebuyck (20 saves) was there. This was the statement the U.S. needed before facing Canada, in direct response to what its future foe did in its opener. -- Greg Wyshynski

Finland: D

Everything was going so well until the first 26 seconds of the third period. Finland had limited its mistakes. One of the goals it had given up was off a deflection. But even with that, Finland was working to take away space. But, Olli Maatta's late second-period hooking penalty led to the U.S. scoring on another deflection just 15 seconds into the third period ... before Jake Guentzel scored nine seconds later.

And just like that, the defensively responsible performance Finland deployed to be within a goal to start the third became a three-goal deficit less than a minute into the final period, all but ending its chances for a win. That became even more clear when Brady Tkachuk cut through the heart of Finland's zone for his team's third goal on its first four shots of the period for a 5-1 lead, and brother Matthew capped it off with another tally to make it 6-1. -- Ryan S. Clark

What we learned

The Tkachuks drive the bus

Coach Mike Sullivan finally gave the people what they wanted late in the second period when he flanked Jack Eichel with brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. Sullivan had previously split the brothers in his lineup to give two lines their particular brand of whimsy. But as the Americans searched for more 5-on-5 offense, it was time to break glass on the Brothers Tkachuk -- and it paid off.

That line landed the knockout blow against Finland, combining for the third American goal in the first three minutes of the third period. Matthew fed Eichel, who threaded a pass to Brady for a point-blank goal.

Even when they weren't together, the Tkachuks drove the bus all night for Team USA. Brady evened the score at 10:21 of the first period after Henri Jokiharju gave Finland a surprising early lead, sneaking behind three defenders before scoring past Juuse Saros. Then it was Matthew scoring a critical power-play goal 15 seconds into the third period to give the Americans a 3-1 lead, firing a long-range shot that deflected off the stick of his Panthers teammate Niko Mikkola's stick.

It was Matthew again on the power play to make it 6-1, knocking down a Zach Werenski point shot and then cashing in his own rebound. Eichel picked up a secondary assist.

Between the Auston Matthews line with Guentzel and Jack Hughes and this Two Chuks and a Jack line, Team USA leaves the tournament opener with two potent scoring lines established. -- Wyshynski

Finland needs its top two lines to produce, and fast

Having Aleksander Barkov center a line with Artturi Lehkonen and Mikko Rantanen was supposed to give Finland a top line that had facilitators who could all score just as well as they distribute. Plus, it's a top-line trio that's experienced when it comes to finding success in tight spaces given all three are Stanley Cup winners.

Creating a second line with Sebastian Aho, Roope Hintz and Patrik Laine was a combination that would see two of the game's steadfast two-way forwards partner with a winger who possesses one of the game's most impressive shots. All together, this was supposed to be one of the bedrocks of Finland's identity.

Those six players combined for 10 shots. But ... nine of those shots belonged to Barkov (five) and Lehknonen (four). It amounted to Finland's top two lines -- which featured a 50-goal scorer (Rantanen), a 40-goal scorer (Laine), three 30-goal scorers (Aho, Barkov and Hintz) along with a 20-goal scorer on pace for his first 30-goal campaign (Lehkonen) -- scoring no goals.

Or to view it this way: Finland received no goals from four players (Aho, Barkov, Laine and Rantanen) who are all in the top 10 of NHL goals scored all time by Finnish players. -- Clark

Play "Free Bird"

As teased by USA Hockey before the tournament, the Americans have made "Free Bird" their official goal song of the 4 Nations Face-Off. While the 1973 rock anthem by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a staple of American classic rock, it also has become an unexpected hockey anthem for Team USA.

In the 2025 IIHF World Juniors Hockey Championship, the U.S. made "Free Bird" its signature goal song. University of Denver defenseman Zeev Buium suggested the option. "The first five or six minutes of that song are super mellow and not much going on. So we knew [the raucous guitar solo] was the part of the song we were going with," he said.

It paid off well for the U.S. at world juniors, as they won their second straight championship. The Americans are hoping it will help them fly high at 4 Nations.

But the song might also serve a more nefarious purpose: It's a Kendrick Lamar-level troll job, reminding Canadians of Team USA's world juniors glory at a time when their once-heralded team couldn't advance out of the quarterfinals. Say, Drake ... -- Wyshynski

A Finnish defense that entered the tournament with questions has more it must answer

Here's where it gets complicated for Finland. Those opening two periods prove that Finland does have the personnel and the structure capable of frustrating an opponent, while initially providing Saros with a manageable workload -- compared to what he faces on a nightly basis with the Nashville Predators.

But the three-goal barrage on the U.S.'s first four shots in the third period reignited the questions about whether Finland can navigate the 4 Nations tournament without All-Star Miro Heiskanen, Jani Hakanpaa and Rasmus Ristolainen, who are sitting out the event because of injuries.

It raises one major question for Finland before it faces Sweden. What is the more accurate representation? The first two periods against what is perhaps the most talented team in the tournament? Or the third period that doomed them? -- Clark

Players to watch

Auston Matthews
C, United States

Finland matched up Barkov, the best defensive center in the NHL, against Matthews throughout the game, which is one reason why the Toronto Maple Leafs star didn't score a goal. The fact is that it can take Matthews a little time to get cooking as a goal scorer in tournaments: In nine career Stanley Cup playoff series, Matthews scored a goal in the opening game of a series only once.

Though he didn't score himself, Matthews created Guentzel's goal scored just 11 seconds after Matthew Tkachuk's goal to open the third -- intercepting the puck at his blue line and then dishing to Guentzel after attracting Finland's defenders to the slot. Matthews' line with Guentzel and Hughes was consistently good all game for the U.S., combining for 14 shot attempts.

Saturday night against Canada is an opportunity for Matthews to lead his nation to an epic win -- and stifle critics who grumble about his performance in pressure situations. -- Wyshynski

Mikko Rantanen
RW, Finland

Entering the tournament, there were already questions about how Rantanen would perform given he has only two points in six games since being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. Of course, Rantanen is one of the most gifted players Finland has ever produced: He's fourth among Finns in NHL goals, 10th in assists and seventh in points. He's a two-time 100-point scorer who could possibly get his third 100-point season this season.

But against the U.S., he had no shots while logging 19 minutes, 21 seconds of ice time, which was the second most of any forward behind Barkov. That can't continue if Finland is going to have any chance. -- Clark

Big questions for the next game

Was this enough proof of concept to confidently take on Canada?

Let's be honest: If the Americans defeated Finland in a tepid 3-1 squeaker buoyed by a late empty-netter, it would have meant three points in the standings but wouldn't have exactly put wind in their sails before facing Canada. Not after the latter's thrilling OT win over Sweden, in which Canada flexed its offensive depth, all-world talent and blazing speed despite an inconsistent effort.

But this was a resounding victory over the Finns, where patience was a virtue until the offense (and the power play) came to life in the third. The Americans played with physicality and swagger, and Hellebuyck was a model of serenity in the net.

Saturday night is going to be a different experience. Much different. The boos will be louder and the home ice will be a distinct advantage for Canada. Their lineup is filled with game-changers who will take advantage of American miscues in a way Finland couldn't. They have Sidney Crosby. They have Connor McDavid. They have them both on a power play that looked like the most unstoppable quintet in the history of hockey in the brief few seconds they needed before scoring on their only opportunity.

But now the Americans have a win. They have proof of concept. They enter the showdown against their archrivals with a different comportment than many previous "best on best" U.S. teams have against Canada. The U.S. won't be in awe. The players won't genuflect to their medals and Stanley Cup rings. They know they entered this tournament as co-favorites. And now they have all the confidence in the world, or at least among 4 Nations. -- Wyshynski

What changes must Finland make ahead of Saturday against Sweden?

Anytime a team gives up six goals, there's going to be a conversation about what went wrong and what must be done to avoid a similar result. That's the position Finland finds itself in with the idea that the next 48 hours could be extremely crucial when it comes to whether it can recover against Sweden or fall into a deeper hole.

There's two items Finland must look to solve. How it can score more goals while also trying to prevent more of them from being scored. Does Finland coach Antti Pennanen keep his top two lines together? Or does he shuffle them given how the group failed to produce? Especially when half of Finland's top six failed to even muster a shot on goal?

But then there's the defensive conversation. Does it behoove Finland to shuffle its defense pairings or does it concentrate more on how it found consistency through the first two periods and use that as a framework? And while not all six of the U.S. goals can be pinned on Saros, it does raise questions about if Finland will turn to Kevin Lankinen or continue to stick with one of the game's most reliable goalies in Saros. -- Clark

MONTREAL -- Keith Tkachuk would never play favorites with his kids, or the NHL teams for which they now play.

But thanks to the 4 Nations Face-Off -- where his sons Matthew and Brady are united for the first time on Team USA instead of adversaries for the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators, respectively -- the Tkachuk patriarch simply gets to be a fan. Of country, yes, but mostly of family.

"They're two years apart, so they've never really played before together, and when we heard this [tournament was happening], we were so pumped up," the elder Tkachuk told ESPN. "They're living their dreams. We just pinch ourselves how lucky we are to be able to watch them play in this. It's the best feeling in the world."

It's rare enough to see siblings across multiple NHL rosters. Having two in the same lineup for a best-on-best tournament like 4 Nations -- an event the likes of which hasn't hosted NHL players in nearly a decade -- is more rare. The Tkachuks were always a different breed, though. And it was Keith -- during his own 18-year NHL career -- planting the seed early with his boys about what a unique experience it is to represent the USA.

Keith himself has done it all in the red, white and blue. He's one of just two U.S.-born skaters who have appeared in four Olympics (with a silver medal win in 2002), two World Cups of Hockey and two World Junior Championships. There's a lifetime's worth of memories for Keith to download with his sons -- but now, Matthew and Brady are experiencing it all firsthand.

"They don't need to hear from me how important this is," he said. "They know how important [wearing the U.S. sweater] is, and then to both be able to do it together on the same team, with the best players in the world, they're really excited about this.

"But it's to do it together that means so much to them."

It didn't take long for the Tkachuks to show off their inherent chemistry. Paired on a line together, they stole the show in the USA's 6-1 drubbing of Finland on Thursday -- each collected a pair of goals, and Matthew garnered an assist on one of Brady's to bring the Tkachuk point total to five.

Matthew earned player of the game honors, too. And no one in the building -- not even Keith and wife Chantal -- was happier to see that than Brady.

"He's one of the smartest guys in the NHL," Brady told ESPN. "And to be able to play with a guy like that I'm lucky, I just try to make some space for him."

And when the USA next suits up to face Canada on Saturday?

"I'm expecting the best energy in this crowd," Brady said. "And I'm excited to be playing the villain that night."

Spoken like a true Tkachuk.

MATTHEW TKACHUK SMILES BRIGHTER than the spotlight beating down on his head.

He can't help it, really. Not when the topic is Keith, and Brady, and yet another bond they share now in this latest chapter.

"[Our dad] is so excited," Matthew said. "It's just so special. For Brady and I, it's [about] all the time we're spending away from the ice right now together, whether it's the team dinners or in the lounges, or just being in the [dressing] room together. We've talked about this moment playing together for forever, and now it's finally happening. We're super grateful for it."

The Tkachuks' age gap -- Matthew is 27, Brady is 25 -- has kept that from being a reality in the past. But the brothers' paths have practically mirrored one another in their approach to this pinnacle.

Matthew entered the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2013, leaving right when Brady was set to start his own two-year stint in 2015. Matthew played for the US World Junior team in 2016; Brady did the same in 2018.

Both brothers were high NHL draft picks, too, with Matthew selected sixth overall by Calgary in 2016 and Brady fourth overall by Ottawa in 2018. And when it comes to bragging rights -- in that regard, at least -- they both topped Dad, selected 19th overall by Winnipeg in 1990.

It was inevitable that comparisons would be made between the three once Matthew and Brady entered the league. Keith's NHL tenure spanned more than 1,200 games and 1,065 points. He brought a style to the ice that few could replicate at the time -- but one that his sons have embraced finding parts of in their own games.

"We both grew up wanting to play exactly like our dad," Matthew said. "And I'd say Brady's probably pretty close to him. We still talk to him after all the games and practices and stuff, and he still has a very big influence on our play, and how we prepare."

That much is clear to Team USA coach Mike Sullivan. He was Keith's teammate with the Phoenix Coyotes from 1998 to 2001, and an assistant coach for the 2006 Olympic team on which Keith played. Sullivan can see where his former teammate has rubbed off on his sons.

"They're two of the better power forwards in the league," Sullivan said. "They drag their respective teams into the fight, so to speak, and nobody did that better than their dad. When I played with Keith, he was one of the best power forwards in the game. These guys are following right in his footsteps."

Now, even more because Keith can share with his kids what it's like to participate in -- and not just witness -- an elite-level hockey tournament like 4 Nations. Keith brought his boys to Torino, Italy, for the 2006 Games -- the largest international hockey event either attended with family -- and introduced them to some of the world's best athletes. That adventure isn't the highlight of Keith's international résumé though; that belongs to another tournament -- one with another link to his sons.

Keith names his best memory as the 1996 World Cup, which held its final in Montreal, the same city where Matthew and Brady will play their first games of the 4 Nations event. In Keith's time, it was the USA vs. Canada in a heated best-of-three series that saw Canada take Game 1 in overtime before the USA rallied with consecutive victories to take the World Cup championship in dramatic fashion.

"Really nobody gave us a chance, so to win it was probably the biggest thrill of my life in terms of hockey," Keith recalled. "We really bonded quickly together. It was incredible to be able to play with guys you normally don't get to play with. Everything's measured against Canada -- they're the best, and they deserve to be the best -- so to go out and beat them, when they have guys like [Wayne] Gretzky and [Mark] Messier and [Steve] Yzerman and [Joe] Sakic. Yeah, the best experience of my life, for sure."

It's possible the USA will battle Canada again for a 4 Nations title. And if that becomes another shared experience for the Tkachuk family, it'll be with the USA as arguable favorites over the Canadians. While Keith laughs a little at the notion -- "It doesn't matter who's favored when the puck drops" -- he can appreciate how far the USA hockey program has come.

And one son in particular has undergone a notable evolution the past few seasons -- but even winning a Stanley Cup in Florida hasn't truly changed Matthew Tkachuk.

"IT'S FUNNY," Keith said, "that you still hear the word 'pest' about him."

Matthew comes by it honestly. Some of his early years in Calgary were defined by a gritty swagger that agitated opponents and frequently got Matthew in hot water with officials. He was more than a nuisance, though. Requesting a trade from the Flames in 2022 -- following a 104-point campaign -- and landing with the Panthers showed the myriad ways Matthew's game was flourishing, and he has since asserted himself as one of the league's elite forwards (who earned a Hart Trophy nomination in 2023, and helped the Panthers to the Stanley Cup in 2024).

"I laugh at how he's perceived because as a dad, you're always trying to pick out some things you got to be better at," Keith said of his reputation rubbing off on Matthew's. "Because the kid is as skilled as anybody when it comes to hockey sense and making plays and producing.

"He's mentally strong. He knows what it takes to win. He pushes the limit, and knows when to go, when not to go. His professionalism is what I love about him."

But Matthew may never have reached his full potential without the USNTDP, where he first met 4 Nations teammate Zach Werenski. They've kept in touch in the years since, and Werenski can attest to Matthew's continued authenticity, along with the genuine attachment he has to Brady.

"Matthew hasn't changed since when we were kids," Werenski said. "He's always been the same, and I respect that. He definitely plays with an edge; he's kind of a little bit of a rat out there. I'm happy both the Tkachuks are on our team this week.

"But [Matthew's] a competitor. He's been that way since I've known him. He enjoys himself. He likes joking around, him and his brother. It's great to be in the room with them right now."

That Tkachukian passion -- passed down through generations -- will likely be a key factor at times for the USA as they roll through the 4 Nations slate. It's too short a schedule for them already given the level of enthusiasm, so every shift will be something worth remembering.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime moment to represent your country for the first time," Matthew said. "I know I've been waiting nine years for this opportunity. This is a true honor for me, and just something that I've been super excited for for a long time, and something that I'll just cherish."

Everton manager David Moyes has said he understands Arne Slot's reaction to the choatic ending of Wednesday's Merseyside derby that saw the Liverpool boss sent off.

Slot was dismissed by referee Michael Oliver at Goodison Park during a chaotic scene that saw four red cards handed out following a physical altercation between Curtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucouré and both sets of players.

Doucouré and Jones were also shown red cards by referee Michael Oliver, as was Liverpool assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff.

The game had ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw thanks to Everton defender James Tarkowski's 98th-minute equaliser.

Both Liverpool and Everton condemned the racist abuse received by Doucouré following the game, describing it as "reprehensible" and that it would "not be tolerated."

When asked about the ending of Wednesday's clash, Moyes told a news conference: "He [Doucouré] is fine. I was disappointed he got sent off. The club will look at the situation. It was an emotional night and a game where everybody was involved.

"We were playing against a really good Liverpool team, probably the best in Europe, and we had to do as good a job as we could.

"I feel a bit for Arne Slot too because it is the sort of thing I was always getting involved in when I was a younger manager. It tells me that he cares a lot about his club and is fighting for his players.

"I was disappointed in Doucouré because he played so well in the game and did a great job for the team. He wouldn't have probably done what he did [if he had the chance again]. But it still doesn't mean that people are allowed to abuse you. If that's the case, it's completely wrong."

Slot said on Friday that he regrets his actions after the game, saying that he would handle the situation differently in future.

"What happened was the extra time additional five times it ended up being eight, the emotions got the better of me," Slot told a news conference.

"If I could do that differently, I am hoping to do it differently next time as well."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff have been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) after after they were sent off amid fractious scenes at the end of Wednesday's Merseyside derby.

Everton and Liverpool have both also been charged for allegedly failing to ensure players and staff behaved in a proper manner after the final whistle.

Slot approached referee Michael Oliver after a melee between the two sets of players following the full-time whistle had seen Everton's Abdoulaye Doucouré and Liverpool's Curtis Jones sent off for second bookable offences.

In a statement released by the FA on Friday, it was confirmed Slot has been charged with allegedly acting "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."

The FA also confirmed Hulshoff has been charged with allegedly acting "in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official, which led to his dismissal," the statement said.

"It is 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."

Doucouré appeared to celebrate in front of Liverpool supporters after James Tarkowski's goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time earned Everton a 2-2 draw in the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Jones reacted angrily and ran over to confront Doucouré, which led to the melee.

Slot shook Oliver's hand and appeared to say something to the referee, who then immediately produced another red card.

There is no automatic suspension for a manager who has been dismissed, and any sanction has to come via a Football Association charge, which had to be communicated to Liverpool no later than Monday.

The charge also does not necessarily mean Slot will be banned, it could be that he is fined or merely reprimanded if it is proved by the Regulatory Commission.

Liverpool have three business days to submit a response, with the FA allowed a further three days to issue a reply.

The extent of the disciplinary action for Slot will depend on what he said, and what is in Oliver's report. An extended touchline ban can be imposed by a Regulatory Commission if misconduct is deemed serious enough to warrant further measures.

Kevin De Bruyne has said he believes Manchester City's achievements will only be fully appreciated in the future as they continue to endure an inconsistent campaign.

De Bruyne has won every trophy on offer since joining City in 2015, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and a Champions League title in the club's treble winning season.

Pep Guardiola's side have won four straight league crowns, but have struggled for form this term.

When asked by ESPN Brasil if people realise how incredible the side's achievements are, De Bruyne said: "No, I think that will come. Maybe if we have this conversation in 20 years, then people look about it differently, because we have time to reflect and look at other things that have happened.

"I think now people saw us and they see City and they say: 'they have to win.' But it's not that easy to do it, and maybe sometimes as a player, also, you forget, you think: 'oh, we're going to win.'

"No, you work hard, and you have to do your job.

"But sometimes it's hard to appreciate in the moment, because you have to go again and go again, you don't have time to also enjoy the moments, you have to just do your job."

City are fourth in the Premier League, 16 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, with seven defeats and five draws this season after 24 games.

By comparison, in their triumphant league campaign in 2023-24, Guardiola's team lost just three times in total.

They also lost 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League knockout-phase clash with Real Madrid last week.

Asked if it was his most surprising season at the club, De Bruyne said: "No, not really. Well, I think people expect us to win every year, so that's why probably they're surprised, but I don't know.

"I think sometimes you have to go through hard moments. We had other seasons that were hard when you don't win, but it's okay.

"This is life, you can not always have top, top moments, you have to go through different periods, and we are getting through it."

City host a buoyant Newcastle United on Saturday with both teams looking to shore up their place in the chase for a spot in next season's Champions League.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is not paying much attention to the ongoing speculation that Vinícius Júnior could leave the club this summer and play in Saudi Arabia.

According to media outlets in Spain, the Saudi Arabian league has been trying to bring the Brazil international to the country since last summer and is prepared to make Vinícius the highest paid football player in the world.

"Yes, I'm tired of this topic but I'm not worried," Ancelotti said on Friday when asked about those reports. "I see him happy and we are happy with him. There's nothing more to add with respect to what I said a week ago. It's not a topic that we discuss here, he [Vinícius] doesn't discuss it."

Vinícius, who is in his seventh season at Madrid, did say after Tuesday's 3-2 Champions League win at Manchester City that he hopes to reach an agreement with Madrid in the coming days to continue at the club beyond 2027.

"All I can tell you is what I see here, he is happy, eager to do things well and make history with the club," Ancelotti said. "I see the same Vinícius as always, very eager to do things well."

Ancelotti said he is "not aware" that club officials at Real Madrid are annoyed with how Vinícius is managing the Saudi Arabia situation.

A source told ESPN this week that Vinícius' agents have informed Madrid of their client's financial demands if he is to continue at the club beyond 2027.

According to the source, Vinícius wants to earn more than Kylian Mbappé, the highest-paid player at the club, despite recently having received an important bonus after winning The Best FIFA Men's Player award in December.

Vinícius has helped Madrid win two Champions League titles and three LaLiga crowns. He finished second in the vote for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, behind Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Vinícius, 24, was voted Player of the Match in Tuesday's game despite not scoring. He provided two assists and five key passes in the encounter at the Etihad stadium.

"He did very well in the last game," Ancelotti said. "I see him very motivated especially after what he did in the game against City because he had a lot of pressure heading into that game and he withstood that pressure by making a difference. He will continue to do well because he is starting to get a good physical form after the injuries."

Ancelotti, meanwhile, said he doesn't think the Saudi Pro League is a threat to European clubs now but it could be in the future.

"It shouldn't surprise us that a country wants to invest in football," he said. "Saudi Arabia has the right to prepare for the 2034 World Cup.

"It's a market that may be less competitive now than in Europe but in the future it could be as competitive as Europe."

Asked if he would considering coaching in Saudi Arabia, Ancelotti said: "Why not, if I want to continue in football. The question if whether I want to continue [coaching] after I leave Real Madrid."

Ancelotti's contract with Madrid expires in 2026.

LaLiga leaders Madrid play at Osasuna on Saturday before hosting Manchester City in Wednesday's Champions League playoff return leg.

"We are very motivated," Ancelotti said.

"We want to keep our position at the top of the table. The good things we did against City we have to do them again against Osasuna. Our team understands very well when the moment is crucial and when they have to give 100%."

Paris Saint-Germain are keen to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté in the summer and the player is interested in a move to the Ligue 1 club, sources have told ESPN.

The perennial French champions are seeking to bolster their defensive line and find a long-term partner for Marquinhos at centre-back. The acquisition of Konaté would also allow them to plan a long-term future without the Brazil international who turns 31 in May.

Sources have told ESPN that the France international is tempted by a return to the city of his birth. Konaté spent five years in Paris FC's academy before leaving for Sochaux in 2014.

The defender joined Liverpool in a 36 million ($45.3m) deal from RB Leipzig in July 2021.

He has since made 116 appearances for the Merseyside club and has this season cemented himself as Arne Slot's first choice to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence.

The 25-year-old's current contract runs until 2026, with Liverpool keen to keep him at the club long term. In a news conference last month, Konaté confirmed he has been offered a new deal but refused to be drawn on whether he will stay at Anfield beyond next summer.

"I'm really focused on what will happen now and then we will see what happens," he said. "This is another conversation."

Konaté has won the FA Cup and two Carabao Cups during his time at Liverpool, but has suffered with repeated injuries that have contributed to him failing to play more than 22 times in a single Premier League season.

He has missed eight matches this season due to a "frustrating" injury he picked up during Liverpool's 2-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid on Nov. 27.

Slot's side are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table. They host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield in their next fixture on Sunday.

Information from ESPN's Beth Lindop contributed to this report