Nottingham Forest are standing firm on their stance that James Tarkowski should have received a red card for his off-the-ball challenge on Dan Ndoye
Will Jenkins
16:53, 08 Dec 2025
James Tarkowski of Everto
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James Tarkowski of Everto(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest will reportedly contact the PGMOL after Everton’s James Tarkowski avoided a red card for shoulder-barging Dan Ndoye to the floor during Saturday’s clash.
Sean Dyche couldn’t take victory over his former club as the Toffees scored three times at Goodison Park. While Forest were unlucky in front of goal, they may feel even more aggrieved after Tarkowski appeared to escape punishment for an off-the-ball challenge on Ndoye.
The pair had collided when the ball was out of play. As they walked back, the Everton defender seemed to take issue with the earlier contact, stepping towards Ndoye - who was looking the other way - and driving his shoulder into the Forest winger’s back.
Referee Chris Kavanagh didn’t see the incident, but more notably, VAR did not deem it worthy of a red card. Forest are now set to escalate the matter.
According to Sky Sports News, the club will contact the PGMOL to ask why Tarkowski’s actions were not considered red-card worthy. Forest believe the incident meets the criteria for violent conduct.
Tempers flared at Goodison Park during Nottingham Forest's bout with Everton
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Tempers flared at Goodison Park during Nottingham Forest's bout with Everton
The Premier League’s official guidance states one consideration for violent conduct is: “Use or attempt to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent, teammate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person, regardless of whether contact is made.”
Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd agreed with the club on Ref Watch, saying: “I think it is a red card because the ball has not gone to him yet, he’s gone behind him, he’s shoulder checked him in his back, maybe even higher.
“It’s aggressive. He doesn’t need to do it. I don’t know why he’s done it. Ultimately, that’s a red card… you can see the way his head jolted back as well.”
However, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher offered a different view. He said: “When I watched the game, it didn’t leap out to me. If the referee sees it, it’s a yellow card — it never crosses my mind for it to be a red card.”
The incident occurred in the 11th minute, when Everton were only 1-0 ahead. Whether a dismissal would have changed the game is impossible to say, but Dyche will likely believe it might have.
The Forest boss said after the match: “On another day, I’m amazed big Tarky gets away with that but he did. Not even a yellow card. It’s not a shove if you look at it. Players get yellows and reds now for just touching heads together and it’s a lot more than that.”
Forest will now look to move on from the defeat as they travel to the Netherlands to face FC Utrecht in the Europa League. Three points could lift them into a crucial top-eight position.
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