Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Premier League Explains VAR Decision on Tarkowski Challenge in Merseyside Derby
The Premier League has clarified the rationale behind the Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) decision to not issue a red card to Everton defender James Tarkowski following a robust challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister during the fiercely contested Merseyside derby. The match, known for its intense rivalry, saw several strong tackles from the outset, with Tarkowski’s challenge becoming a key point of discussion early in the game.
Controversial Tackle on Mac Allister
Shortly after blocking a Liverpool shot, Tarkowski executed a firm tackle on Mac Allister, making contact with the ball but also catching the Liverpool midfielder with his boot in the follow-through. Referee Sam Barrott initially issued a yellow card, prompting a VAR review to determine if the incident constituted serious foul play warranting a sending-off.
VAR Intervention and Premier League Rationale
Despite the review, the on-field decision of a yellow card was upheld. Explaining the decision, the Premier League stated via their Match Centre account on X (formerly Twitter): “The referee’s call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless.”
Expert Punditry Divided on Decision
The decision sparked debate among football pundits. Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville voiced his strong disagreement, asserting that Tarkowski should have been dismissed. Neville described the challenge as a ‘potential leg-breaker’, adding: “I think he’s very lucky there. There will be those saying it’s a natural follow through. Trust me, being a defender, you do not need to follow through like that and with such force. It’s high. Very lucky.”
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, echoed Neville’s sentiment. Warnock labelled the challenge as “nasty,” stating: “This challenge is nasty from James Tarkowski. He wins the ball, but follows through on Alexis Mac Allister. Tarkowski knows exactly what he’s doing in that situation. I think it is so dangerous. It is out of control from Tarkowski.”
Football Laws on Serious Foul Play
The laws of football define serious foul play as ‘a tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality’. Furthermore, the regulations specify: ‘any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent, is guilty of serious foul play’.
Tarkowski’s Disciplinary Record
Had Tarkowski been shown a red card, it would have marked his first dismissal in the Premier League. Throughout his career in the top flight, he has accumulated 62 yellow cards, a league-leading number for a player who has never been sent off.
Offside VAR Decision Denies Everton Goal
In another significant VAR review shortly after the Tarkowski incident, Everton were denied a potential opening goal. Beto had run onto a long pass and scored past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, but VAR determined that the 27-year-old striker was in an offside position.