After his reckless attack on Alexis Mac Allister during Everton’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool on Wednesday, James Tarkowski could consider himself fortunate to have escaped a red card. Henry Winter claims that the PGMOL’s opinion has now been made public.
Diogo Jota began and completed the scoring in the 57th minute, allowing Arne Slot’s team to maintain their 12-point advantage at the top of the Premier League despite pressure from David Moyes’ visiting Toffees and Beto in particular.
Tarkowski, who equalised in the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park in February, should have been sent off for his challenge in the 12th minute, according to the Anfield supporters, even though the team won three points at home.
The Englishman’s initial contact won the ball, but the Argentine was hit by the force of his follow-through. Referee Sam Barrott quickly gave the latter a yellow card while a VAR review was being conducted.
After Paul Tierney, who was on VAR duty for the all-Merseyside match, upheld Barrott’s on-field ruling, Slot, who is considered by many to be among the top managers in global football, was seen shaking his head in shock.
In the Sky Sports studio, former Premier League referee Mike Dean maintained that Tarkowski ought to have been sent off for his challenge on Mac Allister. “He should have gone to the screen and he should be off,” Dean remarked, rendering a sobering decision. It is a terrible task. All day, it’s a red card.
Following a review by personnel stationed at Stockley Park, football journalist Winter has now disclosed on X (previously Twitter) that PGMOL believes Barrott should have modified the verdict to a red card.
As far as PGMOL is aware, James Tarkowski ought to have been dismissed for his challenge to Alexis Mac Allister. Although Tarkowski initially played the ball, PMGOL acknowledges that the subsequent act was sufficient to qualify as significant foul play.
In real time, Sam Barrott, a decent and promising young referee who was officiating his first Merseyside Derby, thought the challenge was irresponsible. Barrott’s on-field decision of a yellow was reviewed by VAR Paul Tierney, who concluded that the referee’s ruling was not a glaring mistake,” Winter added. “It is acknowledged that PGMOL believes the initial decision should have been overturned and a review should have been suggested.”
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