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Virgil van Dijk celebrates Diogo Jota's winner(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk refused to let James Tarkowski off the hook for his horror challenge in the Merseyside derby.

The Everton captain drew the ire of the Celtic hero after miraculously avoiding a red card following a flying challenge into Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister which could have easily broken his leg.

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Referee Sam Barrott instantly showed just a yellow card as concerned Reds players surrounded their stricken teammate.

Despite Paul Tierney on VAR duty taking a look, he took the bizarre decision to not even recommend a pitchside monitor review.

Gary Neville blasted it as a "potential leg breaker" on Sky Sports commentary and that Tarkowski was "very lucky".

Meanwhile former Red Jamie Carragher was pulling his hair out over the officials' decision.

The Sky pundit commented: "In terms of the referee, he is in brilliant position.

Tarkowski has got previous as well, against Everton for Burnley.

"The referee should give it on the pitch, but for Paul Tierney not to give that on VAR is shocking."

The Premier League defended the decision in a statement on X, which 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."

Liverpool went on to win the game 1-0 but the World Cup-winners teammates were understandably furious - especially captain van Dijk.

The flashpoint took place in the box moments after a set piece as tensions stared to flare.

Tarkowski and van Dijk had been tussling for a ball in the box.

As the ball was cleared and play went up the field van Dijk is captured decking the 32-year-old to the ground with an aggressive push.

Van Dijk tossed Tarkowski to the floor after the horro challengeArticle continues below

Referee Barrott can be spotted looking away during the incident as he watched play up the field full-time.

He was seen smiling and chatting with the Argentine on the pitch.

And Mac Allister has plenty to smile about with Liverpool now 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League with just eight games remaining.


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