Mike Dean Gives His Verdict on James Tarkowski Not Being Sent Off in Liverpool vs Everton

Mike Dean was adamant James Tarkowski should have been sent off for a ‘horrible challenge’ on Alexis Mac Allister in Everton’s encounter with Liverpool.

Tarkowski was handed a yellow card by referee Sam Barrott after sliding in on Mac Allister, winning the ball but also connecting high on the midfielder’s leg. VAR reviewed the incident and didn’t feel a pitchisde review was required and backed Barrott’s on-field decision.
The response from the likes of Gary Neville on commentary was telling as he called it ‘a potential leg breaker’. In the Sky Sports studio, former Premier League referee Dean was stunned at the outcome of the review.
Mike Dean gave a grim verdict of Tarkowski’s challenge and insisted he should have seen red (via Sky Sports
The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision on social media, stating that the foul was ‘reckless’, with contact made after he had ‘played the ball’. It’s the latest controversial call in a season filled with several, and this came in Barrott’s fifth game officiating a Liverpool game.
The Reds had enjoyed the vast amount of possession but it was Everton who looked the likelier to open the scoring. Beto had the ball in the back of the net but was ruled offside before hitting the post minutes later. Tarkowski’s foul was the major talking point at half-time and the consensus is that he shouldn’t have remained on the pitch.

The hosts claimed a 1-0 win through Diogo Jota’s second-half winner, which David Moyes found fault with because he felt an offside should have been given on Luis Diaz. But the Scot was lucky to have eleven men finish the game given the circumstances.
Arne Slot has found fault with Premier League officials throughout the season. He spent two weeks in the stands because of a bust-up with Michael Oliver from the 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park last month.

The Dutch coach highlighted issues back in December (via Guardian):
Similar controversy ensued after the first Merseyside derby of the season, leading to Slot’s dismissal after he exchanged words with Oliver. He was less forthcoming with his protestations about Tarkowski escaping red, but this will only further frustrate the Reds boss.