Premier League Defends Tarkowski's Yellow Card Decision

During the Merseyside derby, Everton's James Tarkowski avoided a red card for a robust tackle on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, which many believed warranted a harsher punishment. Although Tarkowski initially won the ball, his follow-through connected high up on Mac Allister's calf, raising concerns about the tackle's potential to cause serious injury. Referee Samuel Barrott issued a yellow card, and VAR review by Paul Tierney concurred with the decision, deeming the challenge 'reckless' but not worthy of a red card. Former referee Mike Dean and commentator Gary Neville expressed surprise at the lack of a red card, describing the tackle as dangerous and unnecessary. The Premier League's rules state that a tackle using excessive force should result in a red card, which fueled the debate about the appropriateness of the yellow card decision. Despite the controversy, the match continued without further action against Tarkowski.