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Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville(Image: Getty Images)

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes James Tarkowski was "lucky" not to be sent off in the Merseyside derby.

Referee Sam Barrott booked Tarkowski for the tackle in the 11th minute, with the challenge then subject to a VAR check.

After being reviewed by the video assistant referee, the onfield decision of yellow card was allowed to stand.



Neville was on commentary duty for Sky Sports and gave his verdict on the tackle by Tarkowski.

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"Most would say he’s got the ball, but he knew exactly what he was doing, Tarkowski," said Neville on Sky Sports.

"Mac Allister was there, [Tarkowski was] doing an old-fashioned follow-through - take the lot.

"Yeah, I think he’s [Tarkowski] lucky because he’s gone high.

If you’re a defender you can put your foot on the floor if you want to, if you want to leave your studs in the air and catch someone’s knee or shin, I think he’s very lucky.

I think it’s a bad one, that’s a potential leg breaker."

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After the VAR review was completed, Neville went on to explain why he would have had no issues if the decision was made to give Tarkowski a red card rather than stick with the caution.

"I think he’s very lucky there, Tarkowski," Neville said.
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