Everton`s captain, James Tarkowski, avoided a red card after a forceful tackle on Liverpool`s Alexis Mac Allister early in their Merseyside derby clash at Anfield.
Tarkowski, in a sliding challenge, initially won the ball but then collided with the Liverpool midfielder from Argentina.
Referee Sam Barrott immediately issued a yellow card to Tarkowski for the challenge.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Paul Tierney, reviewed the play.
However, surprisingly, VAR did not instruct Barrott to reconsider his decision by viewing the pitch-side monitor.
The Premier League addressed the incident in a statement on social media, stating: “VAR reviewed the yellow card given to Tarkowski for a reckless foul. The contact following Tarkowski`s play on the ball was deemed reckless and within the threshold for a yellow card.”
According to football rules, a “reckless” challenge warrants a yellow card.
A red card is reserved for tackles that are considered “endangering an opponent” or involving “excessive force.”
Evidently, neither the referee nor VAR believed Tarkowski’s actions met the criteria for a sending-off.
After Mac Allister received medical attention, play resumed with Dominik Szoboszlai taking the subsequent free-kick, which he missed.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, analyzing the game for Sky Sports News, commented on the tackle: “The follow-through is terrible. Fortunately, his leg wasn`t planted.
“It should have been a red card – considering the speed, intensity, and force. While he won the ball, the follow-through makes it a dreadful challenge.
“In my opinion, the referee should have consulted the screen and sent Tarkowski off – absolutely.”
At halftime, Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher remarked about the referee`s position: “He is in an excellent position, he must see that.”
Carragher further criticized the VAR decision: “For Paul Tierney not to overturn that as VAR is unbelievable.”
Everton legend Duncan Ferguson concurred, stating, “no question, straight red card,” and described the challenge as a “leg-breaker.”
Gary Neville added his perspective: “It`s a terrible tackle. There was no need for such a follow-through.”
Everton manager David Moyes initially described it as a “brilliant tackle for a derby game” but then conceded that his team might have been “lucky.”
RECORD BOOKS
With this booking, Tarkowski equals the Premier League record for most yellow cards received without a red card.
The defender has now accumulated 63 yellow cards in 300 Premier League appearances, matching Oriol Romeu`s record.
Following this controversial moment, Everton posed a threat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Everton`s striker, Beto, was actively involved, having a goal disallowed for offside in the 21st minute.
Later, Beto broke through on goal but hit the post, causing a moment of anxiety for the Liverpool supporters.
Despite Everton`s chances, Liverpool ultimately took the lead just before the hour mark with a goal from Diogo Jota.
The Premier League leaders then secured a 1-0 victory, extending their lead at the top of the league table to 12 points.
