Liverpool coach Arne Slot
Image Credits: Getty Images
Arne Slot has responded to the PGMOL and their decision to not give James Tarkowski a red card during Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby.
The moment occurred in the 11th minute when Tarkowski launched a sliding tackle that saw his studs connect with Alexis Mac Allister’s lower leg above the ankle. Despite VAR reviewing the incident, referee Samuel Barrott’s initial yellow card stood.
The Premier League’s Match Centre later defended the call, classifying the follow-through contact as “reckless” rather than “excessive force” under Law 12 guidelines. This interpretation drew widespread criticism.
It has since been revealed that the PGMOL have admitted privately that the Everton defender should have been sent off:
“PGMOL acknowledge that Everton defender James Tarkowski should have been issued with a red card in their fixture with Liverpool.”
“The challenge saw Tarkowski clearly play the ball initially, however, the nature of the follow-through met the threshold for serious foul play.”
“The referee felt the challenge was reckless in real time and the VAR then checked that on-field decision of a yellow card, deeming that the referee’s call was not a clear and obvious error.”
“However, the view of PGMOL is that a review should have been recommended and ultimately the original decision overturned.”
And now, Arne Slot has responded to the situation.
Speaking in his pre-Fulham press conference, the Dutchman said:
“I think its always good that, if they think they make a mistake, they acknowledge it.”
“We all know mistakes are being made in a football match, by us, by me, by referees.”
“It’s good that they acknowledged the mistake but I think it was so clear – so many pundits that are not Liverpool fans were clear about it as well.”
He added on Diogo Jota’s goal:
“On the goal, I conceded a goal like this when I was at Feyenoord v Atletico. Linesman raised his flag but VAR interfered and said the player wasn’t interfering, I disagreed. I don’t like that rule.”
“Most teams who high press want to go halfway line and when keeper goes long, Virgil vand Ibou go for a duel with an offside player. The rule was executed properly, which is good for us. But I don’t like the rule.””
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