James Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister during the Merseyside derby sparked intense debate after the Everton defender escaped a red card. The tackle, which left Mac Allister writhing in pain on the Anfield turf, occurred early in the game as the two players contested possession near Liverpool’s penalty area. Tarkowski reached the ball first, launching it upfield, but his follow-through caught Mac Allister high on the leg with his studs, prompting the referee to issue a yellow card.
Despite the severity of the challenge, VAR official Paul Tierney reviewed the incident and decided against upgrading the punishment to a red card. The on-field referee did not even consult the pitchside monitor, a decision that only added to the controversy.
An official explanation later published on, stating:
“The referee’s call of a yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR. After reviewing the incident, it was determined that the contact on the follow-through, after Tarkowski had played the ball, was reckless but did not meet the threshold for serious foul play. As a result, the on-field decision was upheld, and no red card was issued.”
Despite this explanation, the decision has continued to spark debate among pundits, former players, and fans, with many questioning the consistency of officiating in such high-stakes matches.
The decision immediately divided opinion, with many believing Tarkowski was fortunate to remain on the pitch. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock voiced his concern over the nature of the tackle, suggesting that Tarkowski knew exactly what he was doing. He emphasized the danger of the follow-through and argued that the defender’s challenge was out of control.
Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, described the challenge as a potential leg-breaker. He acknowledged the argument that it could be considered a natural follow-through but pointed out the unnecessary force and height of the contact. Neville suggested that Tarkowski was lucky to escape harsher punishment, questioning why a defender would need to follow through with such intensity.
Jamie Carragher also weighed in, expressing his disbelief at the lack of intervention from VAR. He argued that the referee should have issued a red card on the pitch, and criticized Paul Tierney for failing to overturn the decision upon review. His frustration reflected a wider sentiment among those watching, who believed the tackle deserved greater scrutiny.
The incident added to the ongoing debate about consistency in refereeing decisions, particularly in high-profile matches. While some defended the officials’ call, citing the fact that Tarkowski played the ball first, others felt that his follow-through was reckless enough to justify a sending-off. In a league where player safety remains a top priority, moments like these continue to spark discussions about how dangerous challenges are officiated.
For Liverpool, the challenge on Mac Allister was a concerning moment in a fiercely contested match. While the midfielder managed to continue playing, the tackle could have had far worse consequences. The debate over Tarkowski’s challenge will likely persist, fueling further conversations about the role of VAR and the standard of decision-making in English football.
Check here for full video of James Tarkowsi’s tackle on Alexis Mac Allister: https://youtube.com/shorts/-eDlVEVs9rM?feature=share
