Paul Merson was stunned after finding out that James Tarkowski had avoided a red card for his shocking foul during Wednesday's Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton.
The Everton defender only received a booking after clattering into Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister in a "reckless" challenge, as the Premier League described it. Tarkowski's studs made contact with Mac Allister's left leg after he caught the Liverpool midfielder while clearing the ball upfield.
The incident was reviewed by Paul Tierney, the video assistant referee (VAR), but he decided against advising on-field referee Samuel Barrott to overturn his decision. And Sky Sports pundit Merson couldn't believe Tarkowski wasn't dismissed following the review.
Watching the incident unfold on 'Soccer Special,' Sky Sports pundit Merson said: "Great bit of play by (Jarrad) Branthwaite, he blocks a sure goal by (Diogo) Jota. It gets clear and it comes back in and Tarkowski's just got to clear it, but as he clears it, he follows through and his foot's up and..."
At that point, Merson discovers the outcome of the VAR review. He continued: "Oh it's complete and he hasn't sent him off. It's unbelievable. Can you believe that Mike? Seriously Mike, how's that (not a red card)?"
Merson was asking his fellow pundit and former Premier League referee Mike Dean. The latter replied: "Tarkowski's played the ball... but when you see the still (image), the follow through is awful. I mean - he hasn't got his foot planted luckily enough, but it's a red card.
James Tarkowski was not sent off for this challenge
James Tarkowski was not sent off for this challenge (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"There's speed, intensity, force - the lot. He gets the ball, but the follow through - it's a terrible challenge. For me, he (Barrott) should've gone to the screen, should've sent Tarkowski - 100 percent."
After seeing the still image of the challenge, Merson added: "Oh wow, it gets worse!"
The Premier League explained why Tarkowski wasn't sent off through its 'Match Centre' X account. The post read: "The referee's call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless."
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said: "This challenge is nasty from James Tarkowski. He wins the ball, but follows-through on Alexis Mac Allister. Tarkowski knows exactly what he's doing in that situation. I think it is so dangerous. It is out of control from Tarkowski."
Warnock added: "He is finding this difficult, Sam Barrott. That is a foul on Luis Diaz Diaz shows the ball to Jake O'Brien and O'Brien takes him out."