James Tarkowski once again proved a thorn in Liverpool’s side as the Everton defender escaped a red card for a brutal challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
Tarkowski cemented his place in Goodison Park history by scoring a late equalizer in the final Merseyside derby at the stadium six weeks ago.
And on Wednesday night at Anfield, the 32-year-old enraged Liverpool fans again with a reckless early tackle on Mac Allister.
Tarkowski was booked after his forceful clearance saw him catch the Argentina international high on the leg near the edge of Everton’s penalty area. He now holds the joint-most yellow cards in Premier League history (63) without ever receiving a red.
Though he won the ball, his high follow-through left Mac Allister needing treatment.
Referee Sam Barrott immediately awarded a foul and brandished a yellow card. VAR reviewed the incident but swiftly determined it was neither a red card offense nor required further review on the pitchside monitor.
The Premier League later released a statement on X: “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.”
Everton legend Duncan Ferguson, known for his tough style of play, was adamant during his halftime punditry for Sky Sports that Tarkowski deserved harsher punishment.
“[Tarkowski] knows what he’s doing,” said the Scot. “He’s gone straight through him, and that could have been a leg breaker. That’s a straight red all day long.
“It’s the referee’s first derby, maybe he’s a bit nervous. But he should have been taken to the monitor.”