April 4 – The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has acknowledged that Everton’s James Tarkowski should’ve been red-carded for his x-rated challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister during the recent Merseyside derby.
The Everton defender did win the ball in the 11th minute of the game; however, his follow-through caught the Reds’ midfielder just below the knee, which was deemed by many to be unnecessary force. Referee Sam Barrott felt the challenge was reckless in real time but not violent and issued a yellow card.
Paul Tierney, the video assistant referee (VAR) reviewed the challenge, which progressively got worse every time it was replayed, but decided to take no further action after a very brief review.
Liverpool were contacted by PGMOL, who admitted to the BBC that the tackle met the threshold for serious foul play.
Red’s boss, Arne Slot said: “It is always good that if they think they have made a mistake, they acknowledge that.
“I think it is quite an OK season for referees in England, actually. Mistakes are being made, the most important thing is that it doesn’t influence the league table, but it is normal that it does.”
His opposite number, David Moyes, acknowledged that Tarkowski was lucky to stay on the pitch and apologised to Mac Allister after the game.
In an effort to operate in a transparent way, PGMOL has said that admitting mistakes is a crucial part of the process, adding that the incident needed to be addressed immediately, rather than waiting for the head of referees, Howard Webb’s, ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ appearance on UK broadcaster Sky Sports.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1743777771labto1743777771ofdlr1743777771owedi1743777771sni@o1743777771fni1743777771