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• BBC
• Wed Apr 2 2025

It was a challenge that would not have looked out of place in a derby in years gone by - but even Everton manager David Moyes considered his captain James Tarkowski "lucky" to stay on the pitch.

In the 11th minute and with a loose ball to contest, Toffees centre-back Tarkowski lunged in to clear his lines but caught Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister just below the knee with his studs.

Referee Sam Barrott went immediately to his pocket and there could have been few complaints if he brandished a red card - but instead only a yellow was issued.

Within one TV replay it seemed clear the 32-year-old could yet find himself in trouble with the video assistant referee (VAR), but after a quick check - which lasted only 10 seconds according to the Premier League match centre - Paul Tierney decided no further action was necessary.

Commentating on the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said: "Tarkowski knows exactly what he's doing in that situation. I think it is so dangerous. It is out of control from Tarkowski."

Reds boss Arne Slot later pointed out that "even people who are not liking Liverpool a lot are saying how clear and obvious it was", while Moyes added: "We could have been lucky we didn't get a red. It looked a high one."

Liverpool, though, edged closer to the Premier League title courtesy of Diogo Jota's winning goal - a strike itself not without controversy with Everton claiming for an offside in the build-up.

So what did the officials get right and wrong in another controversial Merseyside derby?