Everton captain James Tarkowski avoided a red card after a forceful tackle on Liverpool`s Alexis Mac Allister within the first 10 minutes of their Merseyside derby match at Anfield.
Tarkowski, in a sliding challenge, initially played the ball but then collided with the Liverpool midfielder.
Referee Sam Barrott immediately issued a yellow card to Tarkowski for the challenge.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Paul Tierney, reviewed the play.
However, VAR decided not to instruct Barrott to reconsider his decision using the pitch-side monitor.
The Premier League released a statement on social media, explaining: “VAR checked the referee`s yellow card decision for Tarkowski`s foul. The contact following Tarkowski`s initial play on the ball was deemed reckless, supporting the yellow card decision.”
According to football rules, a “reckless” challenge warrants a yellow card.
A red card is reserved for tackles considered to “endanger an opponent” or involve “excessive force.”
Evidently, neither the referee nor VAR believed Tarkowski`s actions met the threshold for a sending-off.
After treatment on the field, Mac Allister continued playing, and Dominik Szoboszlai took the subsequent free-kick for Liverpool, missing the target.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, analyzing the incident for Sky Sports News, commented: “The follow through is bad. Fortunately, his leg wasn`t planted.
“It`s a red card for me – the speed, intensity, force, everything. He wins the ball, but the follow-through… it was a terrible challenge.”
“In my view, the referee should have been advised to review it on screen and should have dismissed Tarkowski – absolutely.”
At halftime, Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher stated regarding the referee`s initial call: “He`s in an excellent position; he must see it.”
Carragher further criticized the VAR decision, adding: “For Paul Tierney not to overturn that with VAR is unbelievable.”
Everton icon Duncan Ferguson concurred, stating, “no question, straight red card,” describing the challenge as a “potential leg-breaker.”
Gary Neville added his perspective: “It`s a dreadful tackle. There was no need for that follow-through.”
Everton manager David Moyes initially described it as a “brilliant tackle for a derby,” but then conceded his team might have been “lucky” to avoid a red card.
RECORD BOOKS
With this booking, Tarkowski now equals the Premier League record for most yellow cards received without ever being sent off.
This yellow card marks his 63rd in 300 Premier League appearances, tying him with Oriol Romeu for total bookings.
Despite the controversial moment, Everton posed a threat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Beto had a goal disallowed for offside in the 21st minute.
Later, Beto broke free on goal but struck the post, narrowly missing an opportunity to score.
Ultimately, Liverpool capitalized on their chances, with Diogo Jota scoring just before the hour mark to put Liverpool ahead.
The Premier League leaders secured a 1-0 victory, extending their lead at the top of the league table to 12 points.
