The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) has officially addressed the controversy surrounding James Tarkowski’s challenge during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
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Diogo Jota’s goal proved to be the difference in a closely contested match, but the biggest talking point came much earlier when Tarkowski made a dangerous tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.
Although the Everton defender was only shown a yellow card, many felt he was fortunate to escape a red. The PGMOL’s official statement now seems to support that perspective.
The incident occurred in the 11th minute when a blocked shot from Jota left the ball at Mac Allister’s feet on the edge of the box. Tarkowski then lunged in with a reckless and late challenge, leaving the Argentine midfielder in pain on the ground.
Despite Tarkowski following through high on Mac Allister after making contact with the ball, referee Sam Barrott and VAR official Paul Tierney opted for a yellow card rather than a red—an outcome that sparked widespread debate among fans.
Now, the PGMOL has weighed in on the incident, acknowledging that Tarkowski was fortunate to remain on the pitch and confirming that his tackle should have resulted in a red card.
Posting on X, Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol wrote: “PGMOL acknowledge that Everton defender James Tarkowski should have been issued with a red card in their fixture with Liverpool.
“The challenge saw Tarkowski clearly play the ball initially, however, the nature of the follow-through met the threshold for serious foul play
“The referee felt the challenge was reckless in real time and the VAR then checked that on-field decision of a yellow card, deeming that the referee’s call was not a clear and obvious error
“However, the view of PGMOL is that a review should have been recommended and ultimately the original decision overturned.”
Journalists Henry Winter, Paul Joyce and Lewis Steele all echoed this statement, confirming the governing body feel that Tarkowski should have seen red for serious foul play.
