James Tarkowski escaped red for brutal tackle in first half of Merseyside derby
The Everton captain scored a late equaliser against Liverpool just six weeks ago
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By DAVID KENT
Published: 16:12 EDT, 2 April 2025 | Updated: 16:15 EDT, 2 April 2025
James Tarkowski proved the scourge of Liverpool again as Everton defender escaped red for brutal challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
Tarkowski wrote himself into Goodison Park lore by scoring a late equaliser in the last Merseyside derby to ever by played at the stadium, six weeks ago.
And the 32-year-old again enraged Liverpool fans when he flew in on Mac Allister in the early stages on Wednesday night's clash at Anfield.
Tarkowski was cautioned after his full-blooded clearance saw him catch Alexis Mac Allister high in the leg on the edge of the Blues box. He now has the joint most yellow cards without ever being sent off in Premier League history (63).
There was no doubt that Tarkowski won the ball, but he went in high on the Argentina star leaving him needed treatment after the incident.
Referee Sam Barrott gave a foul on the pitch and immediately produced a yellow card for Tarkowski. VAR checked the incident but quickly decide it was neither worthy of a red card, nor a second look via a monitor by Barrott.
James Tarkowski was only booked for this challenge on Liverpool star Alexnis Mac Allister
The Argentina star needed treatment after the forceful tackle in the 11th minute at Anfield
Referee Sam Barrott produced a yellow card but was not invited to check his decision by VAR
#LIVEVE – 11’
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.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) April 2, 2025
The Premier League put out a statement on X minutes later which 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.'
Everton legend Duncan Ferguson, renowned as a tough man during his playing days, made his feelings clear during his half-time punditry stint for Sky Sports.
'[Tarkowski] knows what he's doing,' said the Scot.
'He's gone straight through him and that could have been a legbreaker. That's a straight red all day long.
'It's the referee's first derby, maybe he's a bit nervous. But he should have been taken to the monitor.'
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