Merson appalled by ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool v Everton incident: ‘Wow it gets worse’
James Tarkowski had to be sent off for his tackle on Alexis Mac Allister during the Merseyside Derby on Wednesday night, according to a stunned Paul Merson.
Liverpool came into the fixture on course to secure the Premier League title in Arne Slot‘s first season in charge, a feat which not many would have expected when he arrived at the club in May 2024.
On the blue side of Merseyside, after enduring a difficult start under former boss Sean Dyche, with Everton teetering above the relegation zone, the return of David Moyes has rejuvenated the club in recent times.
Moyes was unbeaten in his first six games back in charge, having won four and drawn two in that time, leaving them 15 points above the droop.
However, this fixture in the Premier League is not often without it’s controversial moments, with this time around no different as Merson, and former referee Mike Dean, were left bemused at VAR’s decision to not send Everton captain Tarkowski off for an out of control follow-through on Mac Allister as he cleared a loose ball just outside the box early on.
Tarkowski escapes red card following VAR review
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Special [8.11pm, 2 April], Merson said: “Great bit of play by [Jarrad] Branthwaite, he blocks a sure goal by [Diogo] Jota.
“It gets cleared, then it comes back in and Tarkowski’s just got to clear it but as he clears it he follows through and his foot’s up and I can’t… Oh it’s complete and he hasn’t sent him off.
“It’s unbelievable. Can you believe that Mike? Seriously Mike how’s that?”
The former Arsenal midfielder then added as a replay is shown: “Oh wow it gets worse!”
Dean agreed with Merson, insisting that Tarkowski should have been shown a straight red card: “When you see the still the follow through is awful. He hasn’t got his foot planted, luckily enough, but it’s a red card.
“Speed, intensity, force, the lot. He gets the ball but the follow through. It’s a terrible challenge and for me he should have gone to the screen and should have sent him off 100%.”
Tarkowski could have no complaints if he was sent off during the Merseyside Derby
Football Insider verdict
Tarkowski could have no complaints if he was shown a straight red card, as the 32-year-old put in a challenge which can might charitably be described as old fashioned.
Following a great block from centre-back partner Branthwaite, Tarkowski jumped into the tackle and followed through high onto the leg of the Liverpool midfielder.
Paul Tierney was given the duties of VAR for the match and cleared the incident quickly following a review, while Sam Barrot only produced a yellow card.
| What factors does VAR consider when determining serious foul play? |
| Speed |
| Intensity |
| Force |
| Degree of control |
| Point and extent of contact |
When reviewing serious foul play, VAR are asked to consider five factors including speed, intensity, force, degree of control as well as point and extent of contact.
If this is the case, Tarkowski’s tackled ticked all the boxes for serious foul play, therefore it begs the questions as to why referee Barrott was not sent to the monitor to review the incident again.
Not dissimilar to the tackle which saw Tottenham defender Cristian Romero dismissed against Chelsea last season, the inconsistency with the refereeing in England is highlighted once more.