Mike Dean Slams Decision Not to Send Off James Tarkowski in Merseyside Derb
Mike Dean has expressed his belief that James Tarkowski should have received a red card during Everton’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield. The match, which took place on Wednesday night, was crucial for Liverpool as they aimed to close in on the Premier League title.
The incident occurred in the 11th minute when Everton captain Tarkowski executed a forceful tackle on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. While Tarkowski did make contact with the ball first, his follow-through was dangerously high on Mac Allister’s left leg, leaving the Argentine in pain on the field.
Initially, referee Sam Barrott issued a yellow card for the challenge. The decision was reviewed by VAR, but it upheld the original call, determining that the foul was reckless rather than worthy of a straight red. Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville disagreed, stating, “It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that.” Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson was also vocal in his criticism of the decision.
Mike Dean, a former Premier League referee and a frequent defender of VAR, was furious with the decision. Speaking on Sky Sports, Dean said, “Tarkowski’s played the ball… but when you see the still image, the follow-through is awful. He hasn’t got his foot planted luckily enough, but it’s a red card. There’s speed, intensity, force—the lot. It’s a terrible challenge. For me, Barrott should’ve gone to the screen and sent Tarkowski off. It is a red card all day.”
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock echoed Dean’s sentiment during his analysis on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating, “This challenge is nasty from James Tarkowski. He wins the ball, but follows through on Alexis Mac Allister. Tarkowski knows exactly what he’s doing in that situation. I think it is so dangerous. It is out of control from Tarkowski.”
Warnock also criticized Barrott’s overall performance, particularly for missing an earlier foul on Liverpool’s Luis Diaz.
Despite the controversy, the match continued with high intensity, with both teams battling fiercely for crucial points in the Premier League standings.