Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has launched a scathing attack on the decision not to send off Everton's James Tarkowski during Wednesday night's Merseyside derby at Anfield.
The Toffees captain escaped with just a yellow card for a challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the 11th minute, despite a VAR review of the incident.
Dean, who typically supports VAR decisions, was left "astounded" by the outcome.
Tarkowski's challenge saw him win the ball before catching Mac Allister with his studs up on the follow-through, high on the Argentine's left leg.
James Tarkowski escaped a red card against Liverpool
Reuters
The Liverpool midfielder was left in agony on the pitch following the incident.
Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville immediately described it as "a horrible tackle" and said Tarkowski "did not need to follow through like that."
The defender pleaded his innocence as referee Sam Barrott initially showed him a yellow card.
VAR reviewed the incident but decided against overturning the on-field decision, prompting Dean to express his fury on Sky Sports.
"He should have gone to the screen and he should be off. It is a horrible challenge. It is a red card all day," Dean said.
JUST IN: Luke Littler beats Phil Taylor in first 'match-up' - though not as you might think
Speaking on Sky's Soccer Special, Dean added: "100 per cent red. It is just a red card all day, I am astounded he hasn't given it."
The PGMOL released a statement explaining their decision: "The referee's call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless."
This explanation suggests officials did not consider the challenge to meet the threshold for serious foul play required for a red card.
READ MORE:Emma Raducanu withdraws from tournament days after impressive Miami Open
James Tarkowski escaped with just a yellow card
Reuters
Dean, however, disagreed strongly with this assessment, insisting the tackle "had speed, intensity, force, the lot."
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock echoed Dean's criticism on BBC Radio 5 Live, describing the challenge as "nasty".
"Tarkowski knows exactly what he's doing in that situation. I think it is so dangerous. It is out of control," Warnock said.
Liverpool fans reacted furiously on social media, with one describing it as "assault" rather than just a red card offence.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Alexis Mac Allister was hit by a 'nasty' challenge
Reuters
Another fan wrote: "That decision is genuinely disastrous how has he not been sent off?"
The match was a crucial one for Liverpool, who were looking to edge closer to the Premier League title with a victory over their local rivals.
Everton nearly took the lead in the first half through Beto, whose effort struck the left post.
The Portugal striker had already seen an earlier strike ruled out for offside after being adjudged marginally ahead of Virgil van Dijk in the build-up.
