Liverpool and Everton were in Merseyside derby action on Wednesday night, with Anfield playing host to one of the biggest Premier League fixtures in the English calendar.
As is often the case, there was drama and controversy in the game, with one particular flashpoint taking place as early as the 11th minute.
Everton defender James Tarkowski weighed in with a controversial studs-up challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as he followed through on a clearance.
A VAR review took place and it deemed Tarkowski’s challenge worthy of just a yellow card – which is what referee Paul Tierney gave – rather than a red.
The VAR decision triggered widespread debate, with many believing it should have been a sending-off for Tarkowski.
Everton legend Duncan Ferguson is one of numerous pundits who had their say on the Toffees man’s challenge.
Duncan Ferguson feels James Tarkowski deserved red card in Everton trip to Liverpool
Ferguson, speaking on Sky Sports, had no doubts about the challenge, deeming it worthy of a red card all day.
“There is no argument,” said Ferguson. “It’s a straight red. It’s a legbreaker. He should have given the red on the pitch.”
Paul Merson and Gary Neville agreed with Ferguson’s opinion.
“It’s unbelievable. How has he not been sent off? It gets worse, it’s a shocker,” said Merson.
Meanwhile, Neville said: “It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that.”
Even Mike Dean felt Tarkowski should’ve been given his marching orders by Tierney.
“He should have gone to the screen and he should be off,” said the retired referee. “It is a horrible challenge… it is a red card all day.”
Who Everton and Liverpool face next
Everton are next in action on Saturday 5 April when they host Arsenal at Goodison Park in the day’s early Premier League kick-off.
Meanwhile, Liverpool head to Fulham on Sunday 6 April for their Premier League fixture, scheduled for a 2pm kick-off.
