Premier League release statement on controversial James Tarkowski red card decision as Mike Dean calls out VAR
Ryan Smart
2 – 3 minutes
Premier League release statement on controversial James Tarkowski decision as ex-referee makes damning VAR claim live on SkyPremier League release statement on controversial James Tarkowski decision as ex-referee makes damning VAR claim live on Sky
Updated 20:38 2 Apr 2025 GMT+1Published 20:35 2 Apr 2025 GMT+1
Premier League release statement on controversial James Tarkowski decision as ex-referee makes damning VAR claim live on Sky
Tarkowski avoided a straight red card in the first half of the Merseyside derby.
The Premier League has released a statement over VAR’s decision not to send off Everton’s James Tarkowski for a hard challenge on Alexis Mac Allister during the Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
Early in the first half at Anfield, Tarkowski connected with the leg of Mac Allister from a high follow-through, having slid in to win the ball from the Argentinian.
There was immediate concern over Mac Allister – who was able to continue – before attention quickly turned towards a VAR check.
The incident was cleared and Tarkowski escaped with an on-field yellow card.
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Dominik Szoboszlai then put his subsequent free kick, from 20 yards out, narrowly over the crossbar, with the score remaining at 0-0.
On commentary for Sky Sports, Gary Neville claimed that the Everton centre-back was ‘very lucky’ not to be shown a red card due to the follow-through.
And former Premier League referee Mike Dean, in the Sky Sports Soccer Special studio, agreed with the Manchester United legend.
Commentator Peter Drury said on-air: “We hear that Mike Dean, who is on the panel with Sky Sports News tonight, has concurred with you Gary. He’s said that, in his view, it should have been reviewed and it should have been a red card.”
In a statement, the Premier League’s Match Centre Twitter account said: “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.”
More to follow…
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: Liverpool, Everton, Premier League
