In a recent revelation, Howard Webb, the chief of PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), admitted that VAR made a mistake by not sending off Everton’s James Tarkowski during the intense Merseyside derby earlier this month.
This admission has sparked fresh debate about the effectiveness of VAR in the Premier League.
Controversial Challenge on Alexis Mac Allister
The controversial moment occurred during the match at Anfield, which saw Liverpool defeat Everton 1-0.
While the result moved Liverpool closer to their title ambitions, the match was marred by contentious officiating decisions, particularly one involving an early challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Just 11 minutes into the game, Tarkowski made a dangerous challenge as he tried to intercept a ball from Mac Allister.
Although Tarkowski managed to play the ball, his follow-through resulted in a crunching tackle on Mac Allister’s leg.
Despite this, the referee issued only a yellow card, a decision that was later backed by VAR. Webb, however, believes this was an error.
Webb Critiques VAR Decision
Speaking on Match Officials Mic’d Up, Webb pointed out that Tarkowski’s follow-through was reckless and warranted a red card.
According to Webb, the decision to only show a yellow card was flawed because Tarkowski’s challenge endangered the safety of the player.
“When you are clearing or playing the ball close to an opponent, you need to consider the opponent’s safety. Tarkowski’s action involved excessive force,” Webb explained.
He further highlighted that the VAR focused too much on Tarkowski playing the ball, disregarding the dangerous nature of the follow-through.
Webb’s opinion reflects a deeper concern about how officials should prioritize player safety over technicalities in such scenarios.
The Debate on Referee’s Decisions
During the review process, the on-field referee defended his decision by arguing that Tarkowski’s foot had to go somewhere, implying that the challenge wasn’t intentional.
However, the VAR team also noted that Tarkowski had made full contact with the ball, justifying their support for the yellow card.
This led to a disconnect between the VAR review and the on-field reality, according to Webb.
The host of the program, Michael Owen, questioned whether the high stakes of the Merseyside derby could have influenced the referee’s judgment.
Webb responded by stressing that the primary responsibility of referees is to protect players’ safety, regardless of the game’s emotional context.
He emphasized that it was not about reading the player’s mind but analyzing the physical actions in the challenge.
Liverpool’s Response to Referee Errors
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, while acknowledging the mistakes made during the match, took a more philosophical approach.
Slot admitted that mistakes are inevitable in football, from players to referees. “Mistakes are part of the game, and we all make them,” Slot remarked.
Despite the setback, he remained optimistic that such incidents wouldn’t affect the overall course of the league.
In a positive development, PGMOL later reached out to Liverpool and admitted the mistake.
Although they didn’t issue a formal statement, it was understood that the PGMOL acknowledged the nature of Tarkowski’s challenge as meeting the threshold for serious foul play.
This transparency was appreciated by Liverpool, who welcomed PGMOL’s commitment to openness.
Mac Allister’s Recovery and Moving Forward
Despite suffering from the challenge, Mac Allister continued playing through the match and went on to feature in Liverpool’s subsequent game against Fulham.
His resilience highlighted not only his physical strength but also the unyielding spirit that Liverpool displayed throughout the match.
The entire incident underscores the ongoing challenges with VAR and referee decisions in football, raising questions about consistency, transparency, and player safety in high-pressure games.
As the Premier League continues to evolve, the call for more accurate and fair officiating remains stronger than ever.