Liverpool took another step toward securing their 20th league title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Anfield last night.
Diogo Jota scored the game’s only goal just before the hour mark, skillfully dribbling past two defenders before slotting a low shot past Jordan Pickford.
However, as was the case in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park, the match was overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions.
Everton argued that Jota’s match winner for Liverpool should have been disallowed, claiming Luis Díaz was offside in the buildup.
James Tarkowski and Alexis Mac Allister’s post match conversation
But the real controversy centered around James Tarkowski’s reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister in the opening minutes.
Although the Everton defender won the ball, his follow-through was dangerous, catching Mac Allister with both legs in what many considered a leg-breaking tackle.
He was shown a yellow card for the challenge but the foul warranted a red card.
However, VAR referee Paul Tierney, despite reviewing the incident did not overturn the decision to everyone’s surprise.
After the final whistle, Tarkowski was seen approaching Mac Allister, seemingly apologizing—an acknowledgment that his challenge was mistimed, further reinforcing the belief that Tierney got it wrong.
James Tarkowski apologises to Alexis Mac Allister at full-time 🤝 pic.twitter.com/EO09rZ47Zx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
Even Everton manager David Moyes admitted in his post-match interview that his side was fortunate not to go down to 10 men.
Paul Tierney’s history of contentious decisions against Liverpool
Paul Tierney has a history of giving contentious decisions against Liverpool in recent games. Notable incidents include:
December 2017 – Disallowed Goal vs. West Bromwich Albion: Dominic Solanke’s late goal was ruled out for handball by Tierney, leading to frustration from Jürgen Klopp and the Liverpool squad.
December 2020 – Penalty Claim Denied vs. Newcastle United: Sadio Mané appeared to be fouled by goalkeeper Karl Darlow, but Tierney did not award a penalty, a decision that was widely questioned.
January 2021 – Early Half-Time Whistle vs. Manchester United: Tierney blew for half-time prematurely while Sadio Mané was advancing towards goal, leaving Liverpool players and Klopp visibly frustrated.
December 2021 – vs. Tottenham Hotspur:
– Harry Kane’s Challenge on Andy Robertson: Kane’s high tackle on Robertson was deemed only a yellow card offense by Tierney, though many believed it warranted a red card.
– Diogo Jota Penalty Appeal: Jota was pushed in the back inside the penalty area, but no penalty was awarded.
April 2023 – vs. Arsenal: Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Andy Robertson at halftime. Tierney booked Robertson for his reaction and allowed Hatzidakis to continue officiating, a decision that drew significant criticism.
April 2023 – vs. Tottenham: Klopp received a yellow card from Tierney and later expressed concerns about the referee’s comments during the booking, stating, “What [Tierney] said to me then when he gave me the yellow card is not OK.”
These incidents have contributed to a perception among some that Tierney’s decisions have adversely affected Liverpool in key moments.
With such a track record, one must wonder: Is there an underlying bias against Liverpool, or is it simply a case of persistent incompetence?
