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Duncan Ferguson makes his feelings clear on James Tarkowski challenge in Liverpool v Everton derby
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 Sam Barrott gave – rather than a red.
The VAR decision triggered widespread debate, with many believing it should have been a sending-off for Tarkowski.
Indeed, Cody Gakpo had to be held back by Arne Slot as he wanted to confront the match officials.
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 , 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 VAR Paul 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.”
Tarkowski picked up his 63rd booking in the top-flight since making his Premier League debut during the 2016/17 season.
It is the joint most amount of yellow cards in the division without ever being shown a red card.
What Arne Slot said about James Tarkowski tackle
Slot opted not to get involved in the debate, preferring to talk about other topics about the game.
Slot said on : “So many people gave their opinion and a lot of people who are not in favour of Liverpool were so clear about it.
“I would prefer to talk about Diogo’s goal or Curtis Jones’ performance at right full-back.”
Similarly, Slot told Sky Sports: “Alexis is okay because he kept on playing. He’s used to something because he’s from South America.
“I think everybody has said something about it, so why should I add to it. It’s so obvious that it’s not necessary for me to comment.
“I’d prefer to talk about the goal or Curtis Jones’ performance or something else.”
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.