Mike Dean delivered a harsh assessment of Tarkowski’s challenge, firmly stating that he should have been sent off (via Sky Sports):
“He should have gone to the screen and been sent off. It was a dreadful tackle—an obvious red card.”
The Premier League Match Centre later justified the decision on social media, calling the foul “reckless” and noting that contact was made after Tarkowski had played the ball. This incident adds to a string of contentious refereeing decisions this season and came during referee Barrott’s fifth time officiating a Liverpool match.
Despite Liverpool dominating possession, Everton appeared more likely to score early on. Beto found the net but was ruled offside before hitting the post shortly after. However, the biggest debate at halftime centered around Tarkowski’s challenge, with widespread agreement that he should have been sent off.
Liverpool ultimately secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Diogo Jota’s second-half goal, though David Moyes protested, believing Luis Diaz was offside in the build-up. Nonetheless, Everton was fortunate to finish the game with a full squad given the circumstances.
Premier League Referees Testing Slot’s Patience
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has frequently criticized officiating in the Premier League. Earlier in the season, he served a two-game touchline ban following a heated exchange with Michael Oliver after a 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.
Back in December, he voiced his frustrations (via The Guardian):
“There is a limit for me, and I can get emotional. Unfortunately, that limit is mostly reached by refereeing decisions or mistakes from my players. In my view, my players make better decisions than the referees do for my team.”
His first Merseyside derby also ended in controversy, leading to his dismissal after a dispute with Oliver. While Slot didn’t make a strong protest over Tarkowski escaping a red card, this decision will likely add to his ongoing frustrations with officiating.
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