VAR was front and centre at Anfield on Wednesday night as Everton captain James Tarkowski escaped a red card against cross-city rivals Liverpool.
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Everton captain James Tarkowski gets a yellow card for his challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Everton captain James Tarkowski gets a yellow card for his challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
(Image: PA)
Ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has urged PGMOL to begin an urgent review into a decision not to send Everton captain James Tarkowski off against arch rivals Liverpool on Wednesday night. Just over 10 minutes into the fixture, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was caught by a high follow-through from Tarkowski.
While the defender did win the ball, his momentum saw him clatter into the Argentine, with his studs raised just below Mac Allister's knee. Match referee Sam Barrott gave a yellow card on the pitch which looked certain to be overturned - and upgraded - by VAR Paul Tierney from Stockley Park.
However, the decision to review the tackle was not passed to Barrott and play was, in turn, allowed to continue. Reviewing the incident on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, Gallagher insisted that a major mistake had been made.
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"I was [of the opinion it should be red card]," he explained. "It's a very bad tackle.
"You look at the tick boxes - speed, intensity, point of contact, out of control. It ticks them all.
"I thought it was red when VAR were checking - and I thought the referee would be referred to the screen. If he had, I don't think there's any doubt he would have been sent off.
"It's quite refreshing to see the PGMOL come out this morning and say they think it's a red card." While Gallagher welcomed reports that PGMOL disagreed with the decision from last night's match, he insisted the body - which appoints officials for Premier League matches - should be conducting a review into what went wrong.
Everton captain James Tarkowski fouls Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Everton captain James Tarkowski fouls Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
"PGMOL must start reviewing from today," Gallagher concluded. "In Sam Barrott's defence, I think he's going to be one of the best referees this country ever sees.
"I've been saying that for a few years. I made big mistakes when I was learning.
"It's not daunting, but it's new and you're learning. It's about how strong he comes out of this."
The PGMOL had confirmed their appointments for this weekend's matches before the games this midweek. At the moment, Barrott is due to be fourth official for Ipswich Town vs Wolves - plus Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton.
Meanwhile, Tierney will return to Stockley Park on Sunday afternoon. He will be VAR lead for Manchester United vs Manchester City - and it remains to be seen if any further action against the officials will be made.