Howard Webb Admits Error in Liverpool vs Everton as VAR Audio Emerges

Liverpool were incensed earlier when James Tarkowski escaped a red card in the Merseyside derby at Anfield earlier this month. In the 11th minute, Tarkowski slid to clear the ball and his follow-through caught Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister high on the leg.

The challenge left Mac Allister writhing around the floor in agony but, despite protests from Liverpool players, Tarkowski was only given a yellow card by referee Sam Barratt. VAR checked the incident but eventually concluded that Barratt had made the right call.

Tarkowski later apologised for the challenge. Speaking after the game, he told Optus Sports: “I spoke to him and I apologised because it’s not a great tackle. When the ball fell between us, I thought he was just going to come and I was expecting a big old-school 50-50 tackle but he just pulled out the tackle and as I lunged in I followed through and caught him pretty high so I’ve apologised to him and he’s accepted it. Yeah, not a great one from me.”

VAR Audio For Tarkowski’s Challenge on Alexis Mac Allister Emerges

It makes for fascinating viewing

The incident was one of five covered in the latest installment of ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ in 2024/25. Footage of the discussion between the VAR officials for the match has emerged and it makes for fascinating viewing. View it below…

After reviewing the incident a number of times, the VAR officials, Paul Tierney and Adam Nunn, concluded that Tarkowski had won the ball first and that the subsequent contact was unavoidable.

PGMOL chief Howard Webb has cast his verdict on the decision, saying the match officials were wrong and that a red card should have been issued. Speaking to Michael Owen on the programme, he said:

“The referee recognises on the field that Tarkowski plays the ball and feels that the way he does so is reckless. The VAR then checks that on-field decision of a yellow card and puts too much focus on the fact that Tarkowski plays the ball.

“But Tarkowski makes a choice to play the ball in that way. Players have to consider their opponent’s safety, even when playing the ball. Tarkowski lunges into the challenge using excessive force and endangers Mac Allister’s safety. It should have been a red card.”

Liverpool went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to Diogo Jota’s winner in the 57th minute.