“Tarkowski wasn’t sent off because…”: Premier League explains why Tarkowski escaped a red card after his harsh challenge on Alexis Mac Allister in Liverpool clash.
James Tarkowski was fortunate not to be sent off for a dangerous tackle on Alexis Mac Allister during Everton’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
The English defender slid in to win the ball but followed through high on the Argentine midfielder.
Mac Allister required medical attention after the challenge, and referee Sam Barrott immediately issued a yellow card.
A VAR review followed, but the decision was made not to have Barrott review the incident at the pitchside monitor.
Arne Slot expressed disbelief at the decision, with many in the media agreeing that Tarkowski should have been sent off. However, the Premier League upheld the referee’s decision.
Premier League Explains Tarkowski’s Yellow Card
The Premier League Match Centre explained the rationale behind the decision, stating that the tackle was deemed “reckless” but not serious enough for a red card. The statement read:
“The referee’s yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by VAR, with the follow-through after Tarkowski played the ball deemed to be reckless.”
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was stunned that Tarkowski remained on the pitch, describing the challenge as a “potential leg breaker.”
Peter Drury, his co-commentator, revealed that former Premier League referee Mike Dean also agreed with Neville, suggesting that VAR should have upgraded the yellow card.
The intense atmosphere of this season’s first Merseyside derby, which ended in a 2-2 draw at Goodison, appeared to have carried over to Anfield.
Tarkowski had been the hero in that match, scoring a dramatic equalizer in the final moments, but on this occasion, he nearly became the villain.
