Paul Merson Fumes over ‘Disgusting’ Messages sent to Tarkowski after the Liverpool vs Everton match
Paul Merson has condemn the “vile” abuse directed to Tarkowski following the Merseyside derby. The Everton captain found himself at the heart of controversy during his side’s 1-0 defeat to the Premier League champions-elect on Wednesday night.
In the first half, the 32-year-old launched into a full-blooded challenge on Alexis Mac Allister. Although he made contact with the ball, his high, studs-up tackle also caught the Liverpool midfielder, prompting many pundits and viewers to label it a potential leg-breaker and one of the most blatant red card offences in recent memory. Later, in the second half, Tarkowski was involved again, inadvertently redirecting the ball into the path of Diogo Jota, who went on to score Liverpool’s winning goal.
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Debate continues around whether Luis Díaz, positioned behind Tarkowski in an offside position, interfered with play and influenced the outcome of the goal. But tensions remain high, and now Tarkowski’s wife has taken to social media to reveal some of the vile messages her husband has received, despite the defender apologising to Mac Allister after the match.
Paul Merson has condemn the actions by Liverpool supporters on abusive words against Tarkowski
The Everton defender has been subject to disgusting overreactions
“I don’t know why this is even allowed to be happening they need to sanctions for things like this by the fans, the game is over you can make controversial statements but going too far as abusing the family is sad’
“The level of abuse i heard he received was bad- wishing death on him, vile comments about the wife, about them as a couple, and about him as a person – is beyond disgusting. People forget that he is more than just a footballer. He is a husband, a father, a brother, a friend.”
“He goes out there and does his job,yet fans goes directly to abuse him that insane from people. For those acting like he deliberately set out to hurt someone – are you serious?! Football moves at speed, and tackles are split-second decisions. No player goes out there to injure someone and do you think any player would feel good about it if they did?
“But the pure s*** messages, the threats? That’s intentional. That’s on you. Football is a sport, but the way some so-called ‘fans’ behave is disgraceful. The abuse, the threats – it’s not passion, it’s pathetic. They’re real people, and this goes far beyond football.”
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Tarkowski, having been brought to Everton by his former Burnley boss Sean Dyche in 2022, has experienced the highs, the lows, and everything in between in just the last seven weeks alone. His last-gasp equaliser in the previous meeting will be immortalised as the final derby goal to be scored at Goodison Park.
But Wednesday night’s fiery encounter presented a very different set of obstacles for the Englishman, as everything he seemed to do was scrutinised under the lights at Anfield. Nonetheless, it was the Toffees’ first defeat in 10 games and their first on the road since the second-coming of David Moyes, proving the only way is up ahead of their housewarming party over at Bramley Moore Docks in the summer.
Everton Release James Tarkowski Statement
They have condemned the online abuse
The club have now released a statement of their own, too, condemning the online abuse Tarkowski has become a target for. It reads (see post below):
“Everton are aware of threats made towards James Tarkowski and his family on social media. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in football and society. The club is liaising with James and his wife Samantha, and stands ready to engage with the social media companies and assist the police with any potential investigation.”
