James Tarkowski apologized to Liverpool star over horror challenge after Gary Neville verdict

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Everton defender James Tarkowski escaped a red card and later apologised to Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister following a controversial tackle during the Premier League Merseyside derby at Anfield in April

James Tarkowski applauds the fans

James Tarkowski offered an apology to Alexis Mac Allister following a brutal tackle that pundits described as a potential "leg-breaker." The dangerous challenge from the Everton center-half occurred during the Merseyside derby at Anfield back in April.

The Blues succumbed to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of Diogo Jota's final goal for Liverpool. While local derbies are renowned for their intensity, Tarkowski crossed the line when he caught the Argentine high on the ankle, leaving the World Cup champion writhing in pain on the ground.

Despite widespread expectations of a red card for the England international, referee Sam Barrott opted to brandish only a yellow. VAR official Paul Tierney subsequently chose not to recommend a pitch-side monitor check.

Tarkowski managed to see out the rest of the fixture without picking up a second caution. It wasn't until after the final whistle that he sought out Mac Allister to apologise for his tackle.

The Liverpool playmaker seemed to accept the apology, though that didn't stop the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher voicing their astonishment after the match that the defender escaped a sending-off.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville remarked: "That's a potential leg-breaker. I think he's very lucky there. There will be those that say it's a natural follow-through.

"If you're a defender, Carragher will be able to tell you even better than me, you don't need to follow through like that. Such force, and it's high. He's very lucky." Carragher echoed Neville's sentiments, stating: "The ref should give it on the pitch, [but] for Paul Tierney to not give it on VAR is shocking."

James Tarkowski tackles Alexis Mac Allister(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Following the match, the Premier League Match Centre issued a clarification regarding the contentious ruling. Their statement read: "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."

Arne Slot also offered his thoughts on the incident, though he stopped short of openly voicing his frustration with the officials, instead remarking: "So many people gave their opinion and a lot of people who are not in favour of Liverpool were so clear about it."

Just four games after their derby triumph over Everton, Liverpool wrapped up the Premier League title in the Dutchman's maiden season at the helm.

The Reds clinched the championship in emphatic fashion with a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, representing only their second league crown in the Premier League era, following Jurgen Klopp's triumph in the 2019/20 campaign.