Premier League offer explanation on VAR red card controversy in Liverpool vs Everton

The Premier League have confirmed why Samuel Barrot decided against sending off after he left in a heap with a dangerous tackle during the first half of Wednesday night's Merseyside derby.

The defender . The star was left writhing in pain as VAR reviewed the incident to determine whether or not Tarkowski's challenge met the threshold for serious foul play, eventually determining that it did not.

A social media post on the Premier League's Match Centre account was then released a few minutes later explaining Tarkowski had 'played the ball'. The post read: "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."

While Tarkowski's challenge was judged to be reckless by VAR, not everybody agreed with that call.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

pundit , commentating on the game, branded the tackle 'horrible', saying: "It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that."

Former official Mike Dean went one further by questioning VAR's failure to overturn the call on Sky Sports News. Dean said: "He should have gone to the screen and he should be off. It is a horrible challenge. It is a red card all day."

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock also condemned the challenge on Radio 5 Live, saying Tarkowski was 'out of control'. He raged: "This challenge is nasty from James Tarkowski. He wins the ball, but follows-through on Alexis Mac Allister.

"Tarkowski knows exactly what he's doing in that situation. I think it is so dangerous. It is out of control from Tarkowski."

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our