James Tarkowski
(Credit: Imago)
Keith Hackett
Thu 3 April 2025 11:40, UK
Everton fell to defeat to Liverpool in the second and final Merseyside derby of the campaign, the fallout from which will continue for a while longer yet.
Diogo Jota scored what proved to be the only goal, although it is widely considered that Liverpool’s winner at Anfield should have been ruled out for offside.
That was not the only contentious call on the night, the other major talking point being James Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister that saw the centre-back fortunately escape a red card.
PGMOL sources have accepted Tarkowski should have been sent off, with VAR Paul Tierney for some reason deciding not to tell referee Sam Barrott to overturn his decision.
Davd Moyes applauds Everton fans
Moyes saw his Everton side lose to Liverpool (Credit: Imago)
Tarkowski could still be punished for Mac Allister foul
While Tarkowski was able to stay on the pitch at Anfield, he could yet be hit with some sort of punishment.
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That is according to former FIFA official Keith Hackett who, in the wake of the PGMOL’s supposed admission of making an error, shared his thoughts exclusively to Goodison News.
“I don’t think anyone with an ounce of knowledge about football could justify that the challenge by the Everton player wasn’t a red card,” he said.
“PGMOL has accepted its mistake but it’s too late. I would suggest that the FA should take retrospective action and charge the Everton player.”
Beto missed a big chance for Everton against Liverpool (Credit: Imago)
VAR slammed over contentious Liverpool v Everton call
Barrott was placed in charge of the high-profile fixture, which never lets down in terms of talking points, with the experienced Tierney sitting in the VAR chair.
While much of the blame was placed on Barrott for not reaching into his back pocket instantly, Hackett believes his colleague should have been on hand to help.
Premier League W D L P
Everton (15th) 7 13 10 34
Everton have all but sealed Premier League safety.
“The PGMOL need to take more care in their appointment process and to assess carefully if referee Sam Barrott had sufficient experience to deal with a Merseyside derby, which is one of the most challenging games in the season,” he said.
“Barrott is a good official and I hope that in reviewing his performance he will receive some operational advice and support from the PGMOL.
“It is my belief that whilst he was close to the action, he did not have the viewing angle afforded us at home.
“He was frankly badly let down by his colleagues and we need to understand how the assistant nearest the incident could have offered support.
“The fact that Paul Tierney in the VAR chair an experienced former Premier League referee and now a permanent VAR operator got this so wrong is the real worry.
“Immediately that yellow card was shown he should have intervened and instructed the referee to review his decision
“The fact that he did not should see him receive a sanction for this act of incompetence. He let his colleague down.”
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