Richard Keys blasts 'naughty' incident in Liverpool v Everton as Anfield rages
Everton and Liverpool have produced so many blood-and-thunder encounters down the years that no Merseyside derby is complete without controversy.
The recent reverse fixture between the two at Goodison Park - the last to be played at the Old Lady - was one for the ages, and James Tarkowski wrote himself into Everton folklore with his stunning last-gasp equalising volley at the Gwladys Street End.
Tarkowski was again involved in the latest round of fire as the two sides met at Anfield on Wednesday night (2 April), though far from for the same reason.
Everton incident lamented as 'naughty' at Anfield
Everton and Liverpool met for the second time this season at Anfield on Wednesday, just a stone's throw from where the dramatics of February took place.
Tarkowski was again heavily at the centre of it, though this time not quite for his goalscoring prowess - rather for a very strong challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
The centre-half won the ball in the tackle, but followed through extremely harshly onto the leg of the Argentine with studs seemingly raised.
Richard Keys of beIN Sports posted on X (2 April) to slam the challenge, and referee Sam Barrott for not upgrading the yellow card for Tarkowski into a red.
"That was naughty. That’s a red all day. This is a big game to give to Sam Barrott," Keys proclaimed.
The Anfield home crowd were left fuming at the developments as VAR then elected not to overturn Barrott's decision, keeping Tarkowski on the pitch with a booking.
Tarkowski decision receives widespread condemnation
Several pundits and those in the media condemned the decision from Barrott and the VAR team, claiming Tarkowski should definitely have seen red.
Gary Neville was among them, voicing his disapproval at the final outcome live on Sky Sports Premier League (2 April).
| Everton - disciplinary record 2024-25 | Premier League total |
| Yellows | 56 |
| Second yellow - reds | 1 |
| Straight reds | 1 |
Opta revealed the statistic in the aftermath that Tarkowski now has the joint-most Premier League bookings without having ever been sent off in the top flight, racking up 63 yellows.
Everton have relied upon Tarkowski considerably this season, as he reseals that strong partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite that has become a rousing success in the past.
The 32-year-old is under contract on Merseyside until 2026.