James Tarkowski has apologised to Alexis Mac Allister following a tackle during the Merseyside derby.
The Everton center-half made the challenge during the match at Anfield back in April.
Tarkowski’s Tackle and the Referee’s Decision
The incident occurred during the Merseyside derby, where Everton lost 1-0 to Liverpool. Diogo Jota scored Liverpool’s goal.
Tarkowski’s tackle on Mac Allister was high on the ankle. Mac Allister was left writhing in pain.
Referee Sam Barrott only gave a yellow card to Tarkowski. VAR official Paul Tierney did not recommend a pitch-side monitor check.
After the final whistle, Tarkowski apologised to Mac Allister for the tackle. The Liverpool player seemed to accept the apology.
Neville and Carragher’s Reaction
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher voiced their astonishment that Tarkowski escaped a sending-off.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: “That’s a potential leg-breaker. I think he’s very lucky there. There will be those that say it’s a natural follow-through.”
Neville added: “If you’re a defender, Carragher will be able to tell you even better than me, you don’t need to follow through like that. Such force, and it’s high. He’s very lucky.”
Carragher echoed Neville’s sentiments, stating: “The ref should give it on the pitch, [but] for Paul Tierney to not give it on VAR is shocking.”
Premier League Clarification
The Premier League Match Centre issued a clarification regarding the ruling.
Their statement read: “The referee’s call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless.”
Arne Slot’s Thoughts
Arne Slot also offered his thoughts on the incident, remarking: “So many people gave their opinion and a lot of people who are not in favour of Liverpool were so clear about it.”
Liverpool clinched the Premier League title with a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.