PGMOL Admits James Tarkowski Should Have Seen Red in Merseyside Derby

Liverpool Edges Everton in Controversial Derby Clash

Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Everton in the latest edition of the Merseyside derby, but the result was overshadowed by a contentious refereeing decision. Everton captain James Tarkowski escaped with just a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister—an incident that has since been reviewed by PGMOL, the Premier League’s refereeing body.

A Questionable Call: Was Tarkowski Lucky?

In the 11th minute of the match, Tarkowski cleared the ball near Everton’s penalty area but followed through with a forceful challenge on Mac Allister’s calf. Referee Sam Barrott, who was positioned just a few yards away, immediately showed a yellow card.

VAR official Paul Tierney, known for his past disputes with former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, upheld the decision. The Premier League’s Match Centre account later explained:

“The referee’s decision of a yellow card for a reckless foul was reviewed by VAR. Tarkowski’s contact on the follow-through was deemed reckless, not serious foul play.”

Despite this ruling, many spectators, including neutral fans, believed Tarkowski was fortunate to remain on the pitch. Liverpool manager Arne Slot dismissed the decision as “so obvious” that he refrained from further comment, while Everton boss David Moyes conceded, “We could have been lucky to avoid a red.”

PGMOL’s Verdict: A Red Card Was Warranted

Two days after the match, PGMOL reviewed the incident and acknowledged that the challenge met the criteria for serious foul play, meaning Tarkowski should have been sent off. According to a report first published by ESPN, the refereeing body admitted that the foul was more severe than initially thought.

The FA’s official handbook distinguishes between reckless fouls and serious foul play:

• Reckless Foul (Yellow Card): A player acts with disregard for an opponent’s safety but does not use excessive force.
• Serious Foul Play (Red Card): A tackle endangers the opponent or involves excessive force or brutality.

PGMOL’s conclusion suggests that the incident should have been reviewed differently. However, it remains uncertain whether Tarkowski will face retrospective punishment.

What Does This Mean for Officiating in the Premier League?

This latest controversy adds to growing concerns about VAR’s consistency in the Premier League. Should referees be given more authority to review such incidents on pitch-side monitors? Should VAR officials be held accountable for clear mistakes?

What do you think—did Tarkowski deserve a red card, or was the yellow card the correct decision?