James Tarkowski’s wife has condemned the ‘vile’ abuse the Everton defender has faced following his controversial challenge against Liverpool, branding some of the comments ‘beyond disgusting’.

Everton has issued a statement following the wave of online social media abuse directed at James Tarkowski and his wife since Wednesday's Merseyside derby. The defender was fortunate not be sent off for a robust challenge on Alexis Mac Allister in the early stages of the midweek loss to Liverpool at Anfield,

Tarkowski apologised to Mac Allister following the final whistle after table-topping Liverpool won the game 1-0 with the pair appearing to make up, but the Everton player’s wife Samantha has subsequently claimed that her family has received “abuse” that she described as “beyond disgusting.”

James Tarkowski wrongly escaped a red card for “serious foul play” for a dangerous tackle on Alexis Mac Allister in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, Howard Webb has acknowledged.

The English referees’ governing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) accepts Everton defender James Tarkowski should have been shown a red card in Wednesday’s Merseyside derby, the PA news agency understands.

The Everton defender was shown a yellow card, which was upheld by VAR, for an early foul on Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot had little to say about James Tarkowski's controversial bone-rattling tackle on Alexis Mac Allister during Wednesday's heated 1-0 Premier League victory over Everton, saying numerous people had done the talking for him.

Tarkowski made contact high on the leg of the Liverpool midfielder in his follow through after lunging to take the ball in a flying challenge, but was shown only a yellow card by referee Sam Barrott.

The Premier League’s Match Centre account has released a statement explaining the VAR decision not to send off Everton defender James Tarkowski in the Merseyside Derby.Tarkowski was booked for a