Jamie Carragher slams ‘SHOCKING’ decision by VAR not to send James Tarkowski off – and even ex-Everton hard man insists: ‘That’s a straight red all day long’

Gary Neville claimed that Everton defender James Tarkowski was fortunate not to be sent off for a challenge on Liverpool‘s Alexis Mac Allister in the Merseyside derby.

Tarkowksi only received a yellow card from referee Sam Barrott for his foul in the first half of the clash at Anfield.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: ‘That’s a potential leg breaker. I think he’s very lucky there Tarkowski. There will be those that will say it’s a natural follow through. Trust me as a defender you do not need to follow through like that and with such force and it’s high. Very lucky.’

Former referee Mike Dean agreed that Tarkowksi, who was captaining Everton, could easily have been dismissed.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Dean said: ‘(Barrott) should have gone to the screen and (Tarkowski) should be off. It is a horrible challenge. It is a red card all day.’

The Premier League explained the decision on X, with a statement reading: ‘The referee’s call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless.’ 

Tarkowski only received a yellow card from referee Sam Barrott following his challenge

Sky Sports commentator Neville expressed his belief that Tarkowski could have been sent off

Tarkowski scored a dramatic late winner in the previous meeting between the two teams in the last ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.