EVERTON captain James Tarkowski avoided a red card for a brutal tackle on Alexis Mac Allister just 10 minutes into the Toffees’ Merseyside derby defeat at Anfield.

The defender won the ball in a sliding tackle before crashing into Liverpool’s Argentine midfielder.

Referee Sam Barrott immediately brandished a yellow card at Tarkowski.

The incident was subsequently reviewed by VAR official Paul Tierney, but surprisingly, Tierney did NOT advise Barrott to take another look on the monitor.

In a statement posted on social media, the Premier League confirmed: “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.”

By the letter of the law, challenges deemed “reckless” warrant a yellow card. For a red card to be shown, officials must determine that the tackle either “endangered an opponent” or involved “excessive force.”

This means that neither Barrott nor Tierney felt Tarkowski’s challenge met the criteria for a red.

After Mac Allister received treatment, Liverpool resumed play, with Dominik Szoboszlai missing the resulting free-kick.

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey was “amazed” that Tarkowski escaped a red card, stating: “It’s a red card – speed, intensity, force – the lot. He gets the ball, but the follow-through… it’s a terrible challenge. For me, Barrott should have gone to the screen and sent Tarkowski off – 100 percent.”

At halftime, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher commented on Barrott’s decision: “He’s in a great position; he has to see that. For Paul Tierney not to give that on VAR, shocking.”

Everton legend Duncan Ferguson also weighed in, calling the challenge a “leg-breaker” and saying there was “no argument – straight red.”

Gary Neville added: “It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that.”

Toffees boss David Moyes, however, defended his player, calling it a “brilliant tackle for a derby game”—though he later admitted Everton may have been “fortunate.”

Tarkowski’s booking ties him for the Premier League record for the most yellow cards without ever receiving a red. The center-back has now been booked 63 times in 300 appearances, equaling Oriol Romeu’s tally.

Following the contentious incident, Everton posed a threat at Anfield. Forward Beto was heavily involved, having a goal ruled out for offside in the 21st minute.

The Portuguese striker later burst through on goal but struck the post, leaving the Kop End holding its breath.

David Moyes’ side ultimately paid for their missed opportunities when Diogo Jota fired Liverpool ahead just before the hour mark.

The Premier League leaders then saw out a 1-0 victory, restoring their 12-point lead at the top of the table.