The PGMOL have admitted to making a huge mistake in the Merseyside derby as Everton defender James Tarkowski avoided a red card for his tackle on Alexis Mac Allister, which was cleared by VAR
11:42, 03 Apr 2025Updated 11:48, 03 Apr 2025
Referee Sam Barrott shows a yellow card to Everton's English defender #06 James Tarkowski for a foul on Liverpool's Argentinian midfielder #10 Alexis Mac Allister
The PGMOL admitted it was a mistake not to send James Tarkowski off
Referees’ governing body the PGMOL accepts Everton defender James Tarkowski should have been shown a red card in Liverpool’s 1-0 Merseyside derby win on Wednesday.
Tarkowski was shown a yellow card, which was upheld by VAR following a short 10-second review, for an early foul on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the 11th minute.
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The Everton defender clearly won the ball but caught Mac Allister high on the back of the calf with his follow-through.
It is understood the PGMOL acknowledges Tarkowski’s card should have been upgraded to red as the follow-through met the threshold for serious foul play.
Referee Barrott felt the challenge was reckless in real time and VAR Paul Tierney deemed the on-field decision to not be a clear and obvious error.
James Tarkowski was lucky to escape a red card for his high challenge on Alexis Mac Allister
James Tarkowski was lucky to escape a red card for his high challenge on Alexis Mac Allister(Image: Liverpool FC)
Liverpool supporters were left furious with the decision at the time, and now fans on X have vented their anger and frustration with the call after PGMOL admitted their mistake.
One user argued: “These acknowledgements don't matter, especially since nothing can be done about it; they're just adding salt to an injury like this.”
A second added: “Funny how the penny drops after the game isn't it pgmol are a joke.”
A third raged: “Anyone who understands football knows that this should have been a straight red. Regardless of the wrong decisions being made on similar incidents in the past. Refs and VAR must do better.”
While a fourth sarcastically said: “Isn’t that just wonderful.”
Speaking after the game in his post-match interview, Everton boss David Moyes even admitted that his defender was fortunate to remain on the pitch.
Both Arne Slot and David Moyes had complaints about the officiating in the Merseyside derby
Both Arne Slot and David Moyes had complaints about the officiating in the Merseyside derby(Image: PA)
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He said: “First thought it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game. A tackle we would have seen a few years ago.
“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.”
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Moyes’ comments were aimed towards the decision not to rule Luis Diaz offside in the build-up to Diogo Jota’s winner, with the Colombian adjudged to not be interfering with play.