PGMOL ‘admit huge mistake’ in Merseyside derby as Liverpool and Everton fume
The PGMOL have admitted to making a huge mistake in the Merseyside derby as Everton defender James Tarkowski avoided a red card for his tackle on Alexis Mac Allister, which was cleared by VAR
Referees’ governing body the PGMOL accepts Everton defender James Tarkowski should have been shown a red card in Liverpool’s 1-0 Merseyside derby win on Wednesday.
Tarkowski was shown a yellow card, which was upheld by VAR following a short 10-second review, for an early foul on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the 11th minute.
The Everton defender clearly won the ball but caught Mac Allister high on the back of the calf with his follow-through.
It is understood the PGMOL acknowledges Tarkowski’s card should have been upgraded to red as the follow-through met the threshold for serious foul play.
Referee Barrott felt the challenge was reckless in real time and VAR Paul Tierney deemed the on-field decision to not be a clear and obvious error.
Liverpool supporters were left furious with the decision at the time, and now fans on X have vented their anger and frustration with the call after PGMOL admitted their mistake.
One user argued: “These acknowledgements don’t matter, especially since nothing can be done about it; they’re just adding salt to an injury like this.”
A second added: “Funny how the penny drops after the game isn’t it pgmol are a joke.”
A third raged: “Anyone who understands football knows that this should have been a straight red. Regardless of the wrong decisions being made on similar incidents in the past. Refs and VAR must do better.”
While a fourth sarcastically said: “Isn’t that just wonderful.”
Speaking after the game in his post-match interview, Everton boss David Moyes even admitted that his defender was fortunate to remain on the pitch.
He said: “First thought it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game. A tackle we would have seen a few years ago.
“I understand nowadays things are slightly different with follow-throughs. We might have got a bit lucky, don’t put that with the goal because the goal was a different incident that won Liverpool the game.”
Moyes’ comments were aimed towards the decision not to rule Luis Diaz offside in the build-up to Diogo Jota’s winner, with the Colombian adjudged to not be interfering with play.
