Premier League Issues Statement on Controversial James Tarkowski Tackle in Merseyside Derby, Defending Yellow Card Decision

Premier League officials have released a statement addressing the controversial tackle by Everton captain James Tarkowski during the Merseyside derby on April 2, 2025.

The incident, which occurred in the 11th minute of the match, saw Tarkowski's sliding challenge catch Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister high on the leg, leaving him in visible pain. Despite the severity of the challenge, referee Paul Tierney issued only a yellow card, and VAR upheld the decision after reviewing the incident.

The Premier League later described Tarkowski's tackle as "reckless" but concluded that it did not warrant a red card. The league stated that Tarkowski had made contact with the ball first, which contributed to the decision. This explanation has not appeased all critics, with commentator Gary Neville calling the challenge a "potential leg breaker" due to the excessive force involved.

The controversy surrounding the incident has sparked renewed debate over the consistency and transparency of VAR decisions, especially in high-profile matches such as the Merseyside derby.