Everton defender James Tarkowski found his name in the headlines for the wrong reasons on Wednesday night.
The Blues found themselves on the end of Merseyside Derby defeat at Anfield with David Moyes seeing his dreadful record extended.
It was a game which saw Everton fail to really provide much of a threat going forward, but remained relatively stern defensively.
That could have panned out so differently had Tarkowski been shown a red card for his challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
Since the VAR decision, Tarkowski’s challenge has been ruled as reckless but not dangerous.
However, the player’s actions after full time may well suggest otherwise after the pair were spotted interacting on the pitch.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Everton’s James Tarkowski apologises to Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool fans gave Jordan Pickford a difficult time at the Kop end during the second half, but Tarkowski certainly received backlash following his challenge on Liverpool’s Argentine.
It really was a moment which Tarkowski will would like to take back with the Liverpool midfielder lucky to escape without injury.
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And it was apparent the Everton defender was regretting his challenge following full-time as the pair interacted.
The Sky Sports cameras caught the pair speaking following full-time, with Tarkowski even seen to be holding Mac Allister’s head as he seemingly apologises.
There is little denying how bad the challenge could have been for Mac Allister, but this is a real sign of class from Tarkowski after the game.
Thomas Tuchel was question for not calling up Tarkowski to his first England national squad.
His challenge on Mac Allister will not have done him any favours over his slim chances of receiving a call-up from the German coach.
David Moyes shares Tarkowski tackle verdict
During the game, Moyes was spotted fuming with Jack Harrison who endured another game to forget for the Blues.
The Everton boss certainly could have found himself furious with Tarkowski had he have been sent off so early in the game.
Many feel the defender is fortunate to get off with just a yellow card, but Moyes actually suggested he thought it was a good old-fashioned derby challenge.
“First thought it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game. A tackle we would have seen a few years ago,” he said.
"It's a clear offside, a very easy decision to give!"
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“I understand nowadays things are slightly different with follow-throughs. We might have got a bit lucky, don’t put that with the goal because the goal was a different incident that won Liverpool the game.”