Everton: Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp hit out at James Tarkowski after what he did v Aston Villa
Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp have hit out at James Tarkowski after what the latter described as a potential leg-breaker in the 0-0 draw between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park.
The incident in question came when there were claims for a penalty when Tarkowski lunged in with a challenge on Moussa Diaby, taking the ball but with plenty of force in the challenge.
The former Manchester United midfielder, known for his tough tackling and no-nonsense style, even described Tarkowski as being out of control as he collided with Diaby.
Speaking live on Sky Sports [14 January, 16:04], Keane explained: “He gets the ball but he’s following through, and he’s certainly out of control.
“Yeah, it could’ve been [a penalty], it might’ve been a bit harsh. I do like defenders getting stuck in, don’t get me wrong, but he’s full-force. But he’s got the ball and they’ve had a look at it.”
Redknapp then followed up: “It is excessive, it’s not a great tackle, you can see they’re the sort of tackles that can break someone’s leg. It wasn’t pretty.”
No action was taken
Much to Everton’s delight, and relief, no action was taken against Tarkowski despite the appeals from Diaby and the Villa players, as well as the outrage following the game from both Keane and Redknapp on the Sky Sports coverage.
While Tarkowski did get the ball, and many will describe the challenge as an excellent one, there is no doubt that the force used in the challenge was unnecessary given the type of challenge it was to clear the ball in an almost 50/50 challenge with the striker.
However, his follow-through after making the challenge saw the entire weight of the tackle collide with Diaby’s lower leg, and if his foot had been planted with his studs in the ground, Redknapp’s warning of a leg-breaker may well have been the case.
Tarkowski got away with one perhaps, but there would have been serious questions if it was given, after all, football is a contact sport, something people seem to be forgetting very quickly.
In other Everton news, a 2/10 flop stunk out Goodison Park yet again.