PGMOL response to James Tarkowski's tackle in Liverpool vs Everton derby controversy

Everton's James Tarkowski received a yellow card for a tackle on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister during the Merseyside derby, a decision that sparked controversy.

The match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Liverpool, saw Diogo Jota score the only goal. Tarkowski's challenge on Mac Allister came in the first half, leading to a yellow card from referee Sam Barrott. However, after a VAR review by Paul Tierney, it was decided that the on-field decision would stand, and no further action would be taken against the Everton defender.

During Sky Sports' coverage, commentator Gary Neville suggested that Tarkowski was "lucky" not to have been sent off. Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson and ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also agreed that the centre-back should have received a red card following the VAR check.

The following morning, reports surfaced indicating that the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) admitted that Tarkowski should have been sent off. Sources revealed that a red card should have been recommended after the tackle was reviewed, citing serious foul play.

talkSPORT host Alan Brazil shared details from a report released by PGMOL, which noted, "talkSPORT understands that the PGMOL acknowledged that Everton defender [James] Tarkowski should have been issued with a red card in the fixture with Liverpool." The report explained that while Tarkowski initially played the ball, the follow-through of his challenge met the threshold for serious foul play.