Everton returned to Premier League action with a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the final Merseyside Derby of the season.
David Moyes’ side went into the game with a run of nine Premier League outings without tasting defeat.
The last meeting between the two sides saw Everton earn themselves a late point, with chaos unfolding after the final whistle.
Arne Slot was furious at Goodison Park with some of the decisions going Everton’s way on the night back in February.
And it did not take long for the controversy to kick off at Anfield.
James Tarkowski was the hero last time out between these two sides in the Merseyside Derby, on Wednesday night he found himself at the centre of attention for the wrong reasons.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Premier League release statement after James Tarkowski VAR controversy
Tarkowski said he was a better footballer than Richarlison in the build-up to the game on Wednesday night.
The defender will have walked down the tunnel at half time potentially feeling a little bit more self critical following that controversial challenge.
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It really was a risky challenge to make by the Everton defender who was fortunate to avoid causing Alexis Mac Allister some serious damage.
The Premier League released a statement shortly after the VAR check to clarify the referee’s reasoning behind not showing Tarkowski a red card.
#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
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‘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,’ the statement read.
The Premier League have just announced SAOT will be introduced next week in what could be a real boost for the Toffees.
Moyes may well be feeling fortunate to have his central defender still available for the game on the weekend against Arsenal following the VAR check.
What Gary Neville said about Tarkowski’s challenge
The challenge seemed to have everyone but the officials convinced Tarkowski should have been sent for an early shower.
Everton may well feel they have been harshly done by with some of the VAR decisions which have gone against them this season.
Ashley Young thought he had a penalty against Manchester United, but VAR overruled the on-field decision.
Tarkowski’s challenge was seemingly a little bit more clear for the pundits watching the game, with Gary Neville left stunned by the decision reached.
🗣️ "That's a potential leg breaker"
Gary Neville believes James Tarkowski was 'very lucky' to escape red for this challenge on Alexis Mac Allister 😳 pic.twitter.com/Di28mHouq2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
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“That’s a potential leg breaker. I think he’s very lucky there, Tarkowski,” said Neville.
“There’ll be some saying it’s a natural follow through, trust me, as a defender, Carragher will be able to tell you better than me you do not need to follow through like that.”