Former referee Dermot Gallagher has called on the Premier League make an instant law change after Everton’s James Tarkowski emerged with only a booking following a wild challenge in the Merseyside Derby.
The former Burnley center-back was allowed to remain on the field despite his tackle in the 11th minute, which saw him make contact with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister above the knee. The ugly follow-through left the Argentine midfielder left writhing with pain, as he required treatment following the incident at Anfield.
The World Cup winner eventually was able to play on afterwards en route to a 1-0 win, completing the full 90 minutes in what proved to be a full-blooded clash. Meanwhile, Toffees skipper Tarkowski was issued only a booking, with VAR Paul Tierney having identified no clear and obvious error with referee Sam Barrott’s initial on-field call.
However, this wisdom of the decision to only issue the two-time England international a yellow card for the challenge has since been questioned by figures including Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville and former referee Mike Dean. Now, ex-official Gallagher has joined the chorus of critics, as he revealed that he felt the tackle warranted a dismissal.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, the retired referee acknowledged that the tackle fulfulled all the critera of the Premier League’s regulations on Serious Foul Play – meaning Tarkowski should have been sent off, based upon the division’s rulebook.
He explained: “I was [of the opinion it should be red card]. It’s a very bad tackle. You look at the tick boxes – speed, intensity, point of contact, out of control. It ticks them all.
(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“I thought it was red when VAR were checking – and I thought the referee would be referred to the screen. If he had, I don’t think there’s any doubt he would have been sent off. It’s quite refreshing to see the PGMOL come out this morning and say they think it’s a red card.”
The Professional Games Match Officials (PGMOL) has now stated that the tackle should have resulted in a sending off for Tarkowski. They said: “PGMOL notes that Tarkowski initially played the ball but deems that his follow-through on Mac Allister met the threshold for serious foul play, and therefore was worthy of a red card.”
Gallagher also asserted that the decision to allow the defender to remain on the field should now prompt a rule change from the PGMOL. He said: “The PGMOL must start reviewing from today. In Sam Barrott’s defence, I think he’s going to be one of the best referees this country ever sees.
“I’ve been saying that for a few years. I made big mistakes when I was learning. It’s not daunting, but it’s new and you’re learning. It’s about how strong he comes out of this.”
He added: “I think post-season is too late, it has to be today. They’ve acknowledged that this morning and I think they’ll be working with the referees, saying look ‘we’ve looked at this and think this tackle isn’t permissible’ and explaining why and saying to referees ‘if you see this kind of tackle, this is how we want it punished’.”
“If the referee doesn’t see the tackle and the VAR sees it, they’ve got to alert the refree to go and have a look [at it] and guide him that this is ticks [all the neccessary] boxes [for a ] red card. “
