PGMOL Admits Tarkowski Should Have Seen Red in Merseyside Derby Controversy

Refereeing Body Acknowledges Mistake in Everton Defender’s Challenge PGMOL

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has admitted that James Tarkowski should have been sent off during Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Everton centre-back caught Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister with a studs-up challenge just below the knee in the 11th minute of the Merseyside Derby. Referee Sam Barrott showed Tarkowski a yellow card, while VAR official Paul Tierney chose not to intervene after a 10-second review.

However, in a statement to BBC Sport, PGMOL confirmed that the challenge met the threshold for serious foul play, and an on-field review should have been recommended. Had this been done, they believe the decision would have been overturned, resulting in a red card for Tarkowski.

Why Wasn’t Tarkowski Sent Off?

VAR’s Controversial Decision

Referee Sam Barrott initially judged the tackle as reckless rather than dangerous. With VAR only stepping in for “clear and obvious errors,” Paul Tierney decided that Barrott’s call did not meet that threshold.

However, PGMOL’s review has now confirmed that Tarkowski’s high, studs-up challenge endangered Mac Allister’s safety, meaning it should have resulted in a red card.

This latest admission adds to a growing list of VAR controversies in the Premier League, reigniting debates over consistency in officiating.

PGMOL Transparency: Admitting Errors in Real Time

James Tarkowski tackles Alexis Mac Allister PGMOL

Immediate Response Instead of Waiting for ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’

The Premier League’s refereeing body has been attempting to improve transparency, particularly by admitting mistakes as quickly as possible.

Instead of waiting for Howard Webb to address the issue in the next ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ broadcast, PGMOL felt it necessary to acknowledge the mistake immediately.

This approach has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans appreciate the honesty, while others argue that admitting errors after the fact does nothing to change the outcome.

Reactions from Managers and Players

David Moyes: “Tarkowski Was Lucky”

Everton boss David Moyes conceded after the match that Tarkowski was fortunate to stay on the pitch. The challenge could have left his side playing with 10 men for nearly 80 minutes, which would have completely changed the game.

Tarkowski Apologises to Mac Allister

Despite escaping a red card, Tarkowski approached Mac Allister at full-time to apologise for the challenge. While Mac Allister accepted the apology, Liverpool fans and pundits were left furious over the decision.

Liverpool Manager Arne Slot: “It Was Clear and Obvious”

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking ahead of his Thursday press conference, echoed the frustration felt around Anfield.

“Even people who do not support Liverpool could see how clear and obvious it was,” Slot stated, referencing the widespread agreement that the tackle warranted a sending-off.

This is the first major officiating controversy of Slot’s Premier League tenure, but it surely won’t be the last.

Premier League Refereeing Under Fire Again

A Season Filled with Controversies

The Tarkowski decision is just the latest in a string of high-profile VAR controversies that have plagued the Premier League this season.

From incorrect offside calls to missed penalties, refereeing standards have been under heavy scrutiny.

Earlier this season, Wolves were denied a clear penalty against Manchester United, while Luis Díaz’s goal for Liverpool against Tottenham was wrongly ruled out for offside due to VAR miscommunication.

With clubs and managers becoming increasingly vocal, there are growing calls for:

• More consistency in decision-making
• Better communication between referees and VAR officials
• Potential introduction of live audio from VAR decisions

PGMOL’s willingness to admit errors is a step forward, but for many fans, the real frustration lies in the fact that these mistakes keep happening.

Could This Have Changed the Game?

How a Red Card Would Have Impacted the Merseyside Derby

Had Tarkowski been sent off in the 11th minute, Everton would have been forced to play with 10 men for nearly 80 minutes at Anfield.

Liverpool, who eventually won 2-0, may have capitalized even earlier, potentially leading to a heavier defeat for Everton.

Instead, Tarkowski stayed on the pitch, and Everton managed to stay competitive for much of the match, only conceding twice in the final 20 minutes.

While Liverpool ultimately got the win, Everton fans will feel relieved that their centre-back avoided what should have been an early dismissal.

What Happens Next?

Will PGMOL’s Admission Lead to Any Action?

Despite acknowledging their mistake, PGMOL cannot retroactively issue a red card to Tarkowski. The decision stands, and Everton will not face any repercussions.

However, the refereeing team involved—including VAR official Paul Tierney—may face internal review or be temporarily removed from officiating duties in upcoming matches.

Additionally, this incident will likely be discussed in PGMOL’s next internal referee training sessions to ensure similar mistakes are avoided in the future.

Final Thoughts: Another Day, Another VAR Debate

The Tarkowski red card controversy is another reminder of the ongoing issues with VAR in the Premier League. While the system is meant to eliminate clear errors, its inconsistent application continues to frustrate players, managers, and fans alike.

Liverpool may have won the match, but the debate over refereeing standards in England’s top flight is far from over.

With PGMOL promising greater transparency, fans can only hope that admissions of mistakes eventually lead to real improvements—before another controversial decision changes the course of a season.