In a highly charged Merseyside derby, referee Sam Barrott faced scrutiny for several key decisions that shaped the match’s outcome. Barrott is considered to be one of the country’s future stars on the whistle. He quickly learned that his officiating met a true test when players were fiercely challenged on the field. Of late, James Tarkowski’s attempted tackle on Alexis Mac Allister has taken up most of the spotlight. Many fans think that it warranted the issuance of a red card.
The match showcased intense moments, including controversial incidents involving players such as Jordan Pickford and Luis Diaz, further complicating Barrott’s day on the field. These decisions have spurred a spirited discussion among wonks. Former referees, too, are harkening back to the application or lack thereof of rules and the use of VAR technology.
Tarkowski’s Challenge Raises Eyebrows
One of the most discussed challenges in an entirely dirty derby was Tarkowski’s high, cleats-up tackle on Mac Allister. Dermot Gallagher, a former referee and Sky Sports pundit, said the challenge “ticked all the boxes” for a red card.
“I think the referee dealt with this well. We’d be talking a lot more about it if the referee had produced a red card.” – Dermot Gallagher
Gallagher’s comments serve to emphasize the razor-thin line between a booking and a sending-off in costly, high-stakes contests. The tackle, which most observers felt deserved at least a stiffer punishment, had the fans and analysts alike scratching their heads at Barrott’s lack of judgment.
Thus, the statewide outrage over Tarkowski’s decision only grew. As it turned out, Barrott did opt for a yellow card in the end, a decision many felt was insufficient given the tackle’s brutality. As a result of this incident, many have called for more definitive guidelines on what should and shouldn’t be considered a red card in these types of situations.
VAR Controversies Continue
The use of VAR itself was heavily criticized during the Merseyside derby. An impressive classic was when Everton’s Jordan Pickford kung fu’d kick Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez after the referee already blown the whistle. Some officials claimed the onus was on Pickford to receive punishment for his dangerous actions. At the same time, some protested that Nunez should have been cautioned for rolling back onto the field to receive treatment. Gallagher commented on this angle, but hey, Pickford, c’mon — that’s a super reckless maneuver.
“This is the biggest dilemma in football for me. It’s not clever by Pickford and then Nunez gets a yellow for rolling back onto the pitch to receive treatment.” – Dermot Gallagher
Another contentious decision was related to Luis Diaz’s position during play. Diaz was clearly in an offside position. Gallagher explained that a player is not penalized for being in an offside position unless they become involved in play.
“Referees have to apply the law. They might not like it but they have to apply it. Without doubt, Diaz is in an offside position but that isn’t an offence.” – Dermot Gallagher
The VAR team did not recommend a review on the field for Jacob Ramsey’s foul. This decision came after he was fouled against Jack Hinshelwood in the Brighton box, further ratcheting up criticism of the FACT officiating.
Disallowed Goals and Missed Penalties
The disallowance of Simon Adingra’s equaliser rightfully just added additional controversy to an already controversial match. VAR subsequently ruled out the goal after Kaoru Mitoma was judged to have handled the ball in the build-up. Gallagher further elaborated that the ruling was because Mitoma’s action was deemed intentional.
“The VAR gave this, not the referee. VAR decided Mitoma had taken the ball in the crook of his elbow and that was a deliberate action.” – Dermot Gallagher
Gallagher on Ramsey’s tangle with Hinshelwood. In his view, it should have been called a penalty. He explained how spoiled he has become, as having a bad foul not called would be salvaged by VAR stepping in.
“I think it’s a penalty. He doesn’t get the ball and quite clearly he takes the man. The referee for whatever reason doesn’t see it and VAR says it doesn’t meet the threshold. It’s a big dilemma.” – Dermot Gallagher
In response to these incidents, PGMOL has admitted that their judgement not to review Ramsey’s incident was the wrong decision. As demands increase for greater accountability in officiating, Gallagher called on PGMOL to begin reviewing decisions with a more critical eye.
“PGMOL must start reviewing from today. In Sam Barrott’s defence, I think he’s going to be one of the best referees this country ever sees.” – Dermot Gallagher
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