The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) has officially responded to James Tarkowski’s controversial tackle during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
On Wednesday night, Liverpool moved closer to securing the 2024/25 Premier League title with a narrow win over their local rivals. A goal from Diogo Jota proved decisive in the fiercely contested match, but the most contentious moment occurred earlier when Everton defender Tarkowski made a dangerous challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
Despite receiving only a yellow card, many believed Tarkowski was fortunate to avoid a red, a view that PGMOL has now acknowledged.
In the 11th minute, as the game was already heating up, a blocked shot from Jota left the ball at Mac Allister’s feet near the edge of the box. Tarkowski then lunged in with a forceful, late tackle that left the Argentine midfielder in pain.
Although the Everton defender did make contact with the ball, his follow-through was deemed reckless. However, referee Sam Barrott and VAR official Paul Tierney opted for a yellow card, a decision that sparked widespread debate.
Now, PGMOL has addressed the incident, admitting that Tarkowski was fortunate to remain on the pitch and should have been shown a red card.
Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol shared their statement on X, revealing that while Tarkowski initially played the ball, his follow-through met the criteria for serious foul play.
The referee judged the challenge as reckless in real-time, and VAR upheld the decision, ruling it was not a clear and obvious error. However, PGMOL now believes that a review should have been recommended, leading to the original decision being overturned.
Journalists Henry Winter, Paul Joyce, and Lewis Steele have echoed this stance, confirming that the governing body agrees Tarkowski should have been sent off for serious foul play.
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