Mike Dean has blasted the decision not to send off James Tarkowski during Everton's fiery Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night. The two sides locked horns at Anfield, where Liverpool were eager to close in on the Premier League crown.

The match was fraught with tension from the outset, and Everton skipper Tarkowski found himself in hot water after a dangerous lunge at Liverpool's midfielder Alexis Mac Allister just 11 minutes into the game. Although Tarkowski hit the ball first, his follow-through caught Mac Allister high on the left leg, leaving the Argentine writhing in pain on the turf.

Initially, Tarkowski was only booked for the tackle. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the incident, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville convinced it warranted a red card, commenting: "It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that."

However, VAR decided to uphold referee Sam Barrott's original call.

A statement from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) confirmed: "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."

Yet, ex-Premier League official Dean, who typically backs VAR decisions and supports referees, was incensed by the non-dismissal and expressed disbelief over the outcome.

While on Sky Sports, he vented: "He should have gone to the screen and he should be off. It is a horrible challenge. It is a red card all day."

Ex-Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has backed Dean's views and criticised Tarkowski's challenge. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he stated: "This challenge is nasty from James Tarkowski. He wins the ball, but follows-through on Alexis Mac Allister.

"Tarkowski knows exactly what he's doing in that situation. I think it is so dangerous. It is out of control from Tarkowski."

Warnock also blamed referee Barrott, who failed to penalise a foul on Liverpool star Luis Diaz later in the first half.

He further commented: "He is finding this difficult, Sam Barrott. That is a foul on Luis Diaz Diaz shows the ball to Jake O'Brien and O'Brien takes him out."