The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has acknowledged that Everton defender James Tarkowski should have been sent off during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Tarkowski’s studs-up challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the 11th minute was deemed reckless but not dangerous enough for a red card by referee Sam Barrott, a decision upheld by VAR official Paul Tierney.
However, PGMOL later confirmed that the tackle met the threshold for serious foul play and an on-field review should have been recommended, ultimately overturning the original decision.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot welcomed the transparency, stating, “It is always good that if they think they have made a mistake, they acknowledge that.”
Everton manager David Moyes admitted Tarkowski was fortunate to remain on the pitch, and the defender apologized to Mac Allister at full-time.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about VAR consistency, with the Premier League reporting 13 VAR mistakes this season, down from 20 at the same point last season.
Another contentious moment in the match involved Diogo Jota’s winning goal, with Everton claiming offside in the build-up. PGMOL ruled that Luis Diaz, who was in an offside position, did not affect the play, allowing the goal to stand.
Despite the controversies, the Premier League claims an improvement in officiating accuracy, with ‘Key Match Incidents’ rated at 96.4% this season, up from 95.7% last year.
