Everton captain James Tarkowski produced the most controversial moment of the first half in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool
Comments
Sport
Everton captain James Tarkowski catches Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister
Everton captain James Tarkowski catches Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has branded Everton captain James Tarkowski a 'coward' following his challenge on midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. With little more than ten minutes on the clock during Wednesday night's Premier League clash, the centre-back lunged into a challenge on Mac Allister who was looking to block the ball.
While Tarkowski firmly won the ball, his follow through was wince-inducing as the centre-back caught the midfielder with his studs up. With speed, the centre-back caught Mac Allister midway between his knee and foot, leaving the Liverpool man writhing in agony.
Referee Sam Barrott initially gave a yellow card for the challenge. Tarkowski was unhappy with this call as he protested his innocence and VAR appeared to check the challenge.
READ MORE: Liverpool receive new red card referee verdict as James Tarkowski controversy takes twistREAD MORE: Liverpool vs Everton LIVE - score, goals and commentary stream
However, the check didn't last long before play was allowed to continue with a free kick to the Reds. Explaining the decision, the Premier League wrote on X: "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."
Such a response will have angered Liverpool fans and the consensus by those watching was that it was a deserving red card. One of those watching on from home was Hamann who was livid by the tackle and the decision from the referee.
Writing on social media, the ex-defender said: "That Tarkowski lunge is a coward's tackle. No idea how he never got sent off."
Join our WhatsApp community, sign up to a newsletter or listen to our podcasts HERE