Mark Lawrenson insists James Tarkowski should have been sent off for his lunge on Alexis Mac Allister during Everton's clash with Liverpool.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Tarkowski dived into brutal challengeOnly handed a yellow cardLawrenson believes tackle belonged to a different eraFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson slammed Tarkowski's challenge on Mac Allister during Everton's 1-0 defeat to their city rivals, labelling it a "stonewall red". The incident saw Tarkowski leave a mark on Mac Allister's shin, and PGMOL have now confirmed that he should have been sent off.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite referee Sam Barrott initially failing to spot the severity of the challenge, VAR reviewed the footage. To the surprise of many – including Lawrenson – it was decided that no further action was required. PGMOL's apology may come a little too late for the Reds' liking, however.
WHAT LAWRENSON SAID
Lawrenson said: "It was a 1980s tackle that, by the way! I think it I think it's an absolute sending-off, stonewall. Yeah."
Asked about whether the speed of the challenge made a difference, he replied: "That's rubbish. The initial contact, he did extremely well, he knew what he was doing. I think he was very, very lucky to stay on the pitch."
AFPWHAT NEXT?
Liverpool face Fulham on Sunday, while Everton take on Arsenal this weekend. The Reds will be hoping their bitter rivals do them a favour, as they sit 12 points clear of the Gunners at the Premier League's summit.