James Tarkowski controversy in Everton vs Crystal Palace splits opinion as ‘lucky’ verdict shared
James Tarkowski was “lucky” to avoid conceding a penalty for his challenge during Everton versus Crystal Palace, according to Dermot Gallagher.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch (30 September), the former Premier League referee said that Tarkowski’s jumping tackle on Jean-Philippe Mateta made enough contact to warrant giving a penalty.
On-field referee Andy Madley stuck by his decision to award no foul despite VAR’s intervention, as Tarkowski and his Toffees team-mates overturned a half-time deficit to win 2-1 at Goodison Park.
Gallagher said: “I think he is lucky because he jumps in, he does eventually get the ball.
“I think Tarkowski jumps in – he does get some of the ball, there’s no doubt about that, but I think the fact he jumps in, he gets enough of the man for me.
“It’s going to split a lot of people. I actually thought it was a penalty – I was sat with another referee on Saturday, sat watching the same game, he thought no penalty, so tough call but for me it’s a penalty.”
James Tarkowski and Everton get lucky to seal first victory
Had the Toffees gone into half-time 2-0 down against Palace, and with one half of their first-choice centre-back pairing sent off, optimism at Goodison would have been rock-bottom at the break.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s long-awaited return from injury provided a bright spot before kick-off, but the 22-year-old could have been thrown to the wolves if Tarkowski’s challenge on Mateta had seen red.
However, with the on-field Blues captain getting lucky and staying on, Sean Dyche’s side still had a platform to build on in the second half as Dwight McNeil’s brilliant brace turned things around.
The full-time whistle will have undoubtedly lifted a weight of pressure off Dyche’s shoulders, but Tarkowski will also be extremely grateful that his reckless challenge didn’t cost the Toffees further.
A first league win, Branthwaite’s return, and Dan Friedkin’s impending takeover make up a perfect week on the blue half of Merseyside, and Tarkowski was luckily able to play his part in that.
In other Everton news, the Goodison Park faithful will be far from happy after what one ex-player said about their arch-rivals.
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