James Tarkowski in a blue and yellow top, Chris Kavanagh and Everton penalty incident in circular insets, with an Exclusive News banner
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Harri Burton
Tue 19 August 2025 17:51, UK
James Tarkowski was unfairly punished for handball as Everton lost to Leeds United in their Premier League opener, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that VAR should have been able to review the incident and seen that the defender had not moved his arm and hand towards the ball.
In a game that appeared set to end in a goalless deadlock, in the 82nd minute, Anton Stach unleashed a shot from outside the box, which Tarkowski blocked, and Chris Kavanagh eventually gave a penalty.
The incident sparked country-wide debate after Lukas Nmecha was able to smash the winner past Jordan Pickford, with many believing that the Whites should not have been given the opportunity on Monday, 18 August.
Chris Kavanagh’s decision sparks debate at Elland Road
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Multiple of Kavanagh’s decisions were questioned on the night, with Hackett believing that Tim Iroegbunam was “lucky” to remain on the pitch for Everton after two cautionable offences at Elland Road.
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However, the major talking point was the awarding of the spot-kick against Tarkowski, who clearly made an attempt to keep his arms behind his back when Stach took aim from distance.
Everton boss David Moyes refused to bite his tongue after the game, comments which were slammed by talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan, but many of the Toffees fans applauded the Scot’s honesty.
James Tarkowski unfairly punished in Everton defeat
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the handball decision, the former referee said: “I was somewhat amazed when referee Kavanagh awarded a penalty kick for an alleged handling offence by the Everton defender.
“When you actually review the incident, which VAR has the ability to do, you could see that the defender had his arms by his side, wasn’t making his body shape bigger, and there was no movement of hand or arm towards the ball.
Chris Kavanagh looking to the right
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“Also, the ball had deflected on its way. At the time the ball was being struck, he was in a vertical position, beginning to lean to one side. This cannot surely be judged as handball.
“If it is, where is the game going? It’s an awful decision, and it’s the major talking point for a game which probably should have ended in a draw.”
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