David Moyes was slammed by fans on social media for his comments about James Tarkowski’s forceful tackle on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Moyes, 61, spoke to Sky Sports following his side’s 1-0 loss against Liverpool at Anfield.
Tarkowski, 32, appeared to follow through after making a clearance before contacting Mac Allister’s leg in the first half of the game.
The challenge caused Gary Neville, who was commentating for Sky Sports, to brand it a “leg breaker”.
However, referee Sam Barrott brandished a yellow card, which was upheld despite a VAR check.
Shortly after, the Premier League released a statement on X.
“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,” read the statement.
Most people – including Jamie Carragher and Duncan Ferguson – agreed that the challenge warranted a red card.
But what did Moyes have to say about his captain’s challenge?
“First thought it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game,” said Moyes. “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.”
James Tarkowski’s tackle on Alexis Mac Allister (Credit:Getty)
Fans gave their thoughts on Moyes’ comments.
One said: “David Moyes giving an interview straight out of the 90’s.
‘Really solid Derby tackle’.
‘It’s an obvious offside for their goal’.
“Bitter blue. No wonder he’s never won at Anfield.”
Another added: “Embarrassing interview from David Moyes there.”
While a third commented: “Why can’t managers just come out and say exactly what happened and not have blinkers on.”
David Moyes on Diogo Jota’s goal being offside
During the build-up to Liverpool’s goal, Luis Diaz appeared to approach the ball seemingly causing an Everton defender to scramble clear before Diogo Jota took full advantage by finishing past Jordan Pickford.
However, Moyes thinks this shouldn’t have stood.
“The players behind Jarrad interfere with him clearing it,” Moyes told Sky Sports. “It is an easy decision to give. I cannot understand any reason why that wasn’t given offside.”
