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    Brighton 0 Aston Villa 3: Marcus Rashford scores again after FA Cup heroics as Asensio and Malen seal win

    MARCUS RASHFORD has got a pep in his step once again as he hit his first Premier League goal for Aston Villa.The English striker now has seven goal contributions in just six starts since joining Aston Villa on loan in January after a bitter exit from Manchester United.Marcus Rashford bagged another goal for Aston VillaCredit: RexMarco Asensio continued his rich vein of formCredit: ReutersBrighton’s Simon Adingra saw an equaliser ruled out in the second halfCredit: AFPBut the move couldn’t have gone better for him with the forward now a Champions League quarter-finalist, an FA Cup semi-finalist and also on a sprint finish towards the top four.Rashford was on target on 51 minutes, then Brighton’s Simon Adingra had a goal chalked off by VAR for a Kaoru Mitoma handball before Marco Asensio doubled the lead on 78 minutes and Donyell Malen topped it all off in added time.Rashford’s last top-flight goal came four months ago on December 1 in Manchester United’s 4-0 drubbing of Everton.All the talk then was how the Rashford revival was on but how times have changed since then.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old is now loving life under Villa boss Unai Emery who he has the trust of – something lost under former Old Trafford bosses Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.The fans love him too, and the away end was bouncing throughout, rubbing salt into Brighton’s wounds with chants of ‘Que Sera, Sera’ after Villa booked their spot at Wembley.Meanwhile the Seagulls suffered heartbreak when they were knocked out by Nottingham Forest in a penalty shootout on Saturday and relying on finishing in the European spots to brighten up this season.There was a nervy start for Bart Verbruggen as he spilled Ezri Konsa’s header but recovered just before Rashford could pounce on the ball.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford hit back again after latching onto Boubacar Kamara’s inch-perfect cross and twisting inside and out before firing wide.On 25 minutes Adingra brought the game to life with a peach of a shot just wide of the far post after being teed up by Mitoma.Moment Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce is towed off motorway after tyre blew outThe Amex went bezerk as Mitoma went to the floor after a light shove from Matty Cash in the box, but referee Stuart Attwell waved the penalty shouts away.It was a clash of two very animated managers on the touchline, who started going at it.Fabian Hurzeler was giving fourth official Simon Hooper an earful before Unai Emery complained that the Brighton boss was out of his technical area, despite often being out of his own.There was a VAR check after Jack Hinshelwood cleverly poked the ball away from an onrushing Jacob Ramsey in the box, but no penalty was given.Just before the break Yasin Ayari curled a jaw-dropping free-kick off the post before the ball ricocheted onto the arm of Ramsey but there was nothing he could do about it.Brighton were livid, with huge shouts that there should have been a penalty for handball.Martinez saved a Jan Paul van Hecke header then rolled it out to Morgan Rogers who put it on a plate for Rashford to produce a lovely finish.The lead seemed to have lasted just four minutes as a desperate scramble in the box left Adingra slotting home from close range on 55 minutes.But VAR rained on Brighton’s parade as referee Attwell was called over to the monitor as the ball had struck Mitoma’s arm in the process and no goal was given.Villa were in dreamland when Asensio doubled the lead by slotting into the bottom corner, with the assist again coming from Rogers on 78 minutes.Read More on The SunThe away end was singing ‘Is this the Way to Barcelona’ as Brighton fans flooded to the nearest exits.In the dying seconds John McGinn outmuscled his man to play the ball to Asensio, who in turn teed up Donyell Malen for the icing on the cake, 10 minutes into injury time. Kaoru Mitoma was deemed to have handled the ballCredit: RexDonyell Malen added a third for Aston VillaCredit: Rex More

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    Southampton 1 Crystal Palace 1: Saints denied first win since Feb 1 as Franca spares Eagles’ blushes in added time

    MATHEUS FRANCA heaped more misery on Southampton – leaving Ivan Juric’s side with more work to do to avoid a Premier League low.Paul Onuachu’s first half header appeared to set Saints on course for the win that would take his side past Derby record low points tally of 11 set in 2008.Matheus Franca cruelly denied Southampton a key win with a late equaliserCredit: GettyFranca fired the ball low past Aaron Ramsdale as Saints still face making unwanted historyCredit: GettyBut Palace substitute Franca headed the equaliser in added time that denied Ivan Juric’s side a third league win of the season.At least the draw meant the south coast club avoided the possibility of becoming the first Premier League club to go down with seven games remaining this weekend.The admission by keeper Aaron Ramsdale ahead of this game that beating Derby’s tally was Southampton’s main aim summed up the club’s dire position.And there was little suggest that the meeting with in-form Palace would bring relief.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Eagles progress this season has led to Oliver Glasner being linked with RB Leipzig.And they arrived at St Mary’s fresh from booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals and a trip to Wembley.The quarter-final win at Fulham last Saturday marked Palace’s seventh successive clean sheet on the road – and a club record sixth successive away win.And the opening seconds only reinforced the sense that Glasner’s side were in the mood to keep their impressive away streak growing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe way Jean-Philippe Mateta easily turned Jan Bednarek sounded a warning – and Ramsdale was then relieved to see the striker thundering long-range shot crash against the underside of bar and away to safety.With two minutes gone it looked as though it would be a case of same old, same old for Saints.Premier League club move into incredible new home that resembles futurist James Bond villain lairPaul Onuachu heads Southampton into the leadCredit: GettyOnuachu celebrates his first half headerCredit: ReutersBut to their credit they put that early shock behind them and began to pressure Palace.Mateus Fernandes was prominent in their best moves and the playmaker gave the visitors a scare when his deflected shot looped over the bar.The effort appeared to give Saints a lift and Juric’s side continued to press forward.And their efforts were rewarded in the 20th minute when Onuachu headed them in front with his fourth goal of the season.Fernandes was at the heart of the move as he exchanged passes with Flynn Downes to make progress on the right.And the playmaker then whipped in a cross that Onuachu headed downwards and past Dean Henderson.Southampton were in unfamiliar territory and the St Mary’s crowd were determined to enjoy it, launching into a tongue-in-cheek chant of “we are staying up”.Glasner will have expected to the goal to have fired his side into life.But there was little sign of a response from the visitors who continued to labour in the final third.And when Mateta did produce a smart turn and shot after being picked out by Daniel Munoz, Ramsdale reacted well to save low to his left.Read More on The SunA strong run by Ismaila Sarr at the start of the second half suggested Palace were ready to fight back – but Eberechi Eze’s poor finish meant the chance was wasted.And from that point Saints rarely looked like missing out on only a second home league win until Franca struck. More

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    Crazy moment Jose Mourinho pinches Galatasaray manager’s NOSE before he falls to ground sparking chaos

    FENERBAHCE manager Jose Mourinho found himself in trouble after an intense derby against Galatasaray.Mourinho, 62, was caught PINCHING the nose of rival boss Okan Buruk, who then collapsed to the ground.Jose Mourinho pinched Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk’s noseCredit: CANLIBuruk then fell to the ground in an extremely dramatic fashionCredit: CANLIFenerbahce lost to Galatasaray and were eliminated from the cupCredit: CANLIMourinho was then taken away after the bizarre incidentCredit: CANLIFenerbahce hosted their Turkish rivals at the Sukru Saracoglu in the quarter-finals of the Turkish Cup.And the Portuguese tactician saw his team crash out after a 2-1 defeat to Buruk’s side.Napoli loanee Victor Osimhen scored both of his team’s goals in the first half.Fenerbahce hit back just before half-time through Sebastian Szymanski but couldn’t find an equaliser.Read More on FootballTensions flared in the second half as the referee showed three red cards.Fener’s Mert Hakan Yandas and Galatasaray duo Kerem Demirbay and Baris Alper Yilmaz were all sent off in the second minute of added time.That is despite the fact none of the three were on the pitch during that time.But it was Mourinho who stole the spotlight at full-time as he was clearly unhappy with something.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat was when he grabbed Buruk’s nose and left everyone in shock.The Turkish tactician was caught by surprise and collapsed to the ground.Mourinho joins Prem and WWE stars at UFC London for huge Leon Edwards fightThe ex-Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea boss was ushered down the tunnel by a member of his coaching staff while both sets of players rushed to the scene.But reports suggest Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera immediately stormed over to confront the former Real Madrid manager.That bust-up came after another massive fracas on 88 minutes between the two benches as Yilmaz was substituted.The two dugouts clashed and police had to intervene to impose order on the benches.Yilmaz was seen shouting towards the opposition while members of the coaching team tried to drag him away.The winger and team-mate Demirbay as well as Yandas were then sent off by the referee.Chaos erupted after Mourinho clashed with BurukCredit: GettyThat was after an intense fracas between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray’s benchesThe two benches collided after Galatasaray ace Barıs Alper Yılmaz’s substitutionPolice had to intervene to regain orderThe referee showed three red cards after the fracasCredit: ReutersThe game restarted after the police’s interventionCredit: GettyMourinho’s confrontation with Buruk took place after full-timeCredit: Reuters More

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    Man City 2 Leicester 0: Grealish scores first league goal since 2023 to fire hosts into top 4 with Foxes doomed to drop

    WHEN Pep Guardiola was wondering where the goals would come from in Erling Haaland’s absence, it’s fair to assume he wouldn’t have thought of Jack Grealish.After all before last night, the £100 million man had not found the net in the Premier League since December 2023.Jack Grealish netted his first Prem goal since 2023 as Man City beat Leicester 2-0Credit: RexOmar Marmoush also netted as he continued his fine formCredit: RexHe has found games hard to come by, struggling for form and fitness since helping Manchester City to the treble almost two years ago.But he was handed a rare vote of confidence with just a seventh Prem start of the season – as Guardiola looked to find a way to win against Leicester without the crocked 30 goal forward Haaland.And within two minutes, he repaid him.Thousands of City fans stuck to their plan to stay in the concourses until the ninth minute of the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis was in protest at the way the club is treating it’s hardcore support – but in particular the link-up  with another third-party ticket company this week – the ninth one currently involved.The large number of empty blue seats were an eye-catching way to make a point but unfortunately for those involved they missed something of a collector’s item within the first two minutes.Grealish remains a popular figure with the Etihad faithful despite a frustrating couple of years.So the fans who were in their seats were thrilled when he got on the end of Savinho’s pull-back to sweep home from 12 yards.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAmong those in the stands was Guardiola, who was serving a touchline ban following his yellow card at Bournemouth at the weekend.He had given his record signing a much-needed boost by picking him in a central role ahead of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden – and it had paid off.How Pep broke Iraola’s high press with genius midfield diamond masterclassBut for those in the visitors end, it was a painfully familiar tale.  This was the 25th time the Foxes have conceded the first goal in 30 Prem matches this season.That is a new record in the competition –  with eight games still to play.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men keep making life difficult for themselves and even against a below par City team it always felt like a long way back.Even so they came within a whisker of equalising when Bilal El Khannouss curled a shot that beat Ederson but curled just wide of the post.Grealish opened the scoring after just two minutesCredit: RexThe ace was delighted to break his duckCredit: ReutersAnd just before the half hour mark, they went further behind and it was completely of their own making.Ruben Dias chipped a hopeful ball forward which bounced awkwardly in front of Hermansen.In fairness his defender Wout Faes did him no favours as he thought about clearing it but even so the Danish keeper should have held on to it.Instead he spilled it at the feet of Marmoush who thumped his shot in off the underside of the bar.Marmoush doubled City’s lead on the half hour markCredit: GettyThe Egyptian showed he can fill in up top for the injured Erling HaalandCredit: AlamyThat’s 39 goal contributions for the Egyptian in 38 appearances for City and former club Eintracht Frankfurt this season.Not a bad option to step in when you lose your main man.The £64million man could have added another when he turned on to Savinho’s cross but saw his effort blocked by Faes.And Hermansen partly made amends for his earlier clanger by smartly tipping over a rising effort from Savinho.Pep Guardiola watched the game from the crowdCredit: EPAJuanma Lillo filled in on the sidelineCredit: GettyGuardiola spent the game sat with a tech expert in the stands to ensure all his messages to his assistant Juanma Lillo were getting through.He was probably telling him to go for a third goal to put the game to bed so he could turn his thoughts to Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford.That will surely be a sterner test than the team managed by former Red Devils hero Van Nistelrooy.Yet for all City’s possession they struggled to find a way through with Marmoush firing one effort high over the bar when you would have expected him to hit the target.Things are looking bleak for Ruud van NistelrooyCredit: RexLeicester are now almost certain to go downCredit: GettyLeicester’s skipper Jamie Vardy had gone off at half-time and there was little threat from the visitors – with or without the veteran striker.  With the minutes ticking by and his team not needing to get out of second gear, Guardiola sent a message down to throw on his Norwegian forward.Although it wasn’t you know who.Oscar Bobb was expected to be a shining light for City this year after shining on the pr-season tour of America but broke his leg in training in August.He has had to be patient in his comeback but was given a few mintues as a replacement for Savinho at the end and was given a rapturous welcome back by the fans.Read More on The SunBobb could be a useful addition as City look to nail down that Champions League place and also go for glory in the FA Cup.Who needs Haaland anyway? 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    Premier League has NOT approved Chelsea’s controversial sale of women’s team to itself

    CHELSEA’S controversial sale of the club’s women’s team to its parent company has YET to be passed by Prem legal chiefs.In their 2023-24 accounts, partially disclosed on Monday, the Stamford Bridge club disclosed it had raised £198m from the “repositioning of Chelsea Football Club Women” as part of a “disposal of subsidiaries” to parent company BlueCo 22.The Premier League is yet to approve Chelsea’s sale of its women’s team to BlueCo 22Credit: AlamyWhile the precise sum has not been confirmed, it is understood that the value of the Chelsea women’s side was potentially in excess of £150m.Another asset believed to be involved was the Kingsmeadow former home of Kingstonians and AFC Wimbledon that is the regular home of Sonia Bompastor’s WSL leaders.The deals helped turn a £90m loss in 2022-23 into a £128m pre-tax profit last season.But while there is not thought to be any serious prospect of Chelsea being charged with a PSR breach for last term, the club confirmed its valuation of the deal has yet to be approved by the League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDiscussions are continuing, with questions over whether the deal between two “associated parties” was at “fair market value”.Europe’s most successful women’s side, Lyon Feminin, was sold to a US conglomerate in a deal which valued the club at around £45m in 2023.That value was dwarfed by the £190m auction price of the Los Angeles-based  Angel City NWSL franchise in September.It is likely that Chelsea will be able to argue that a nine-figure sum is legitimate but they may be forced to scale back the claimed value – although that is unlikely to threaten their positive PSR position over the three year cycle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSChelsea’s official statement over the sale read: “The profit for the year before taxation was £128.4m compared with a loss of £90.1m for the prior year as the club benefitted from increased profit on disposal of player registrations and repositioning of Chelsea Football Club Women Ltd. “This new approach will ensure CFCW has dedicated resources, management and commercial leadership solely focused on the growth and success of the women’s team.Moment Chelsea flop is attacked on pitch by his own club mascot after Bundesliga clash “Overall revenue in the year fell to £468.5m due to the men’s team not competing in the Champions League. “However, the club’s broadcasting receipts benefited from an improved sixth-place finish in the Premier League and semi-final and final appearances in the FA Cup and League Cup respectively. “There was a decrease in operational costs in the year, to offset the fall in revenue resulting in a stable operating loss in comparison to the previous year.“The women’s team reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the second consecutive year and were champions of the Women’s Super League to further boost the broadcasting receipts.“Matchday revenue increased to £80.1m as an average attendance of approximately 40,000 was maintained, and there were three more women’s team matches held at Stamford Bridge during the year.“The growth in commercial revenue to £225.3m was driven by an increase in player loan income and strong sales of non-matchday activities, including stadium tours and merchandise sales.“Decreased operating expenses, including matchday and non-matchday costs, profits on disposal of player registrations of £152.5m and a profit on disposal of subsidiaries of £198.7m, led to the group recording an overall net profit of £129.6m after tax.” More

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    My dad is a Chelsea legend, now I’m winning titles myself while helping fans park their cars and get through turnstiles

    PAT HARDING never got the chance to share being an adult with his famous dad.Former Chelsea vice-chairman and major investor Matthew Harding was tragically killed in a 1996 helicopter crash with five others following a League Cup game at Bolton, aged just 42.Pat Harding is following in the footsteps of his legendary fatherCredit: Chris EadesPat is the son of Chelsea legend Matthew HardingMatthew, here with Ken Bates, was Chelsea’s vice-chairman as well as a major investor of the clubCredit: GettyPat is now the chairman of non-league side Hassocks where he also mans the parking and turnstilesCredit: Chris EadesPat was 12 so his dad never saw him grow up, get married, have children or embark on a successful non-league playing career.But he did leave his young son with solid values he has put to use to help lead Sussex non-league club Hassocks to the biggest achievement in their 123-year history.Pat, in his first season as chairman, saw the village team from just outside Brighton clinch the Southern Combination League title with a 3-0 win over Crowborough Athletic on Saturday in front of a record crowd of 807.The much-loved Sussex non-league striker — who played for Eastbourne Borough,  Hassocks, Horsham, Whitehawk and Burgess Hill — is often stewarding the car park, operating the turnstiles and chatting warmly to fans.Read More on ChelseaIt has echoes of when his dad visited local pubs on Chelsea matchdays and drank with supporters rather than schmoozing in VIP boxes.Pat, 41, told SunSport: “When I was aged between eight and 11, we went to a lot of games home and away.“We’d get the train and go into the pubs before and after matches. It wouldn’t have won him any Father of the Year awards but it was fun.“Dad had been kicked out of the Chelsea boardroom on matchdays after having a row with chairman Ken Bates, so we’d go to the local pub and mingle with fans instead.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“It taught me about giving people time, making them feel special. He’d have crowds of people around him but was happy to hold court and have a beer with them.“That’s what I do now. If Hassocks supporters come up to me, I give them time. It’s nice making people feel important, which they are.Former Chelsea star Demba Ba talks about his role as director of football of USL “I do the car park and turnstiles because we only have seven or eight volunteers.“Some people say I shouldn’t be parking because I miss any goals that are scored early.“But I like that people can see I’m doing something rather than swanning around and, secondly, it’s nice to meet and greet people by being front of house along with the other turnstile guys, who also do a great job.”Pat had a 22-year senior playing career that saw him score a remarkable 348 goals in 990 games — with winning promotion and playing in the National League at Eastbourne the highlight.And he laughed and admitted: “My goalscoring ratio would’ve been better had I not played on as an old-timer!”He also holds the distinction of netting in every senior step of non-league, from Sussex County League to National League.At first, I said, ‘That’s crazy’. But then I thought, ‘What am I going to do now I’ve retired?’ But after hanging up his boots in May last year with Hassocks — where he came through as a kid — he became chairman.Pat said: “The former chairman, Dave John, who has been at the club for more than 30 years, asked if I fancied doing it.“At first, I said, ‘That’s crazy’. But then I thought, ‘What am I going to do now I’ve retired?’ because coaching and managing isn’t for me. “Being chairman would give me a chance to put a little print on it and improve a few things — but I didn’t expect us to win the league in my first season!”Hassocks are a family club and this season not a single player got paid — not even expenses.Next term Pat says manager James Westlake is getting a playing budget but it will be the lowest in the Isthmian League South East Division.Pat added: “Being chairman involves two big things. One, it’s building and maintenance and, second, matchdays are like throwing a big party and you’ve got to make everything run smoothly.”He is overseeing the installation of new, modern LED floodlights to sit on the exact columns his dad donated to the club in 1995 to enable the club to be promoted to the Sussex League.Also he is overseeing powering The Beacon stadium with solar panels, pushing club merchandise and improving the matchday experience.Pat has added a merchandise sweet stand to cater for kids as Hassocks centre their focus on attracting families and youngsters to the club.He said: “We want to grow organically and be sustainable. We’re definitely good enough to be in the level above but whether that’ll be our ceiling or not time will tell.”His dad sadly never saw Chelsea go on to win all the glittering silverware of the Roman Abramovich era — which included five Premier League titles and two European Cups — although his legacy at Stamford Bridge lives on through The Matthew Harding Stand, which he helped finance.Pat has high hopes for his beloved HassocksCredit: Chris EadesPat learned the tragic news of his dad’s death the morning after while at home in Hassocks.And he said: “When you have a bereavement as a kid, you probably just cope with it and it’s only when you look back you understand the enormity of it. I remember waking up and hearing about it first thing.“My mum told me I wouldn’t be going to school that day. There was a big media circus outside.“It was bizarre because it was on the news. I don’t know if it made it easier because with my dad always being in the papers or on TV it was all I’d known.“Like most ordinary people and growing up as a man, you hide emotions and don’t deal with them at the time.“It catches you up sooner or later but I’ve dealt with it as I’ve become an adult.Following in dad’s footsteps“It makes you a bit stronger. You get through stuff. You cope like everyone else does — a lot of people’s dads die.”Matthew Harding would be proud of his son today. His values have been passed on to Pat, who is much loved in Sussex non-league football for his warm and sincere personality.Pat — who has his own business working as a mobile sports massage therapist and personal trainer — added: “My dad was very personable. He made people feel good. He was generous. It’s amazing now looking back how much I picked up.Read More on The Sun“Dad enjoyed people’s company. It made me realise in football and business people buy from people — personality is a big thing, more than anything.“He was good fun. He was more eccentric and charming than me.“Dad was a bit of a character and I’m so happy I took some of that forward.” More

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    Man Utd legend Paul Scholes honoured with mural in his hometown after gaining surprise backing

    MAN United icon Paul Scholes has been honoured with a mural in his hometown — backed by rival City fans.A 15ft painting of the midfielder’s face can be seen in Middleton, Gtr Manchester, after he won a public poll to decide which local to celebrate.Paul Scholes has been honoured with a mural in his hometown of MiddletonCredit: STEVE ALLENScholes won a public poll to decide which local to celebrateCredit: GettyScholes retired from football in 2013Credit: GettyStreet artist Akse  P19, behind the work, noted that Scholesy won it by a “significant margin”.He added: “What’s even more remarkable is that some Man City fans participated in the vote, choosing Scholes, which speaks volumes about the impact he’s had.”Scholes, 50, won 11 Premier League titles with United, and played for England 66 times before retiring in 2013.Akse added: “This mural serves as a lasting tribute to his incredible career and the pride he brings to Middleton.”read more on Paul Scholes Scholes was born in Salford and moved to the Langley Estate in Middleton with his family when he was about 18 months old.He previously said: “As far as I’m concerned I’m Middleton through and through.“I had some great times growing up and miss the place a lot.“I still try to get back to see my family whenever I can.Most read in Football“I have a lot of fond memories of growing up and going out.”Paul Scholes feels like Man Utd are ‘begging’ for money to build new stadium Street artist Akse  P19 was behind the muralCredit: STEVE ALLENScholes won the poll by a significant marginCredit: STEVE ALLENUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Premier League release statement as James Tarkowski controversially dodges red card for horror tackle on Mac Allister

    EVERTON captain James Tarkowski escaped a red card for a brutal tackle on Alexis Mac Allister just 10 minutes into the Toffees’ Merseyside derby loss at Anfield.The defender won the ball in a slide tackle before crashing into Liverpool’s Argentine midfielder.James Tarkowski crunched through Alexis Mac AllisterTarkowski’s follow through saw his boot planted on Mac Allister’s legCredit: ReutersThe incident was looked at by VAR Paul TierneyLiverpool’s Argentine midfielder was left in agony after the challengeCredit: APReferee Sam Barrott immediately brandished a yellow card at Tarkowski.The incident was subsequently looked at by VAR Paul Tierney.But surprisingly, Tierney did NOT urge Barrott to go and take another look on the monitor.In a statement posted on social media, the Premier League 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.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChallenges deemed to be “reckless” by the letter of the law are worthy of a yellow card.For a red card to be shown, officials must determine the tackle to have been “endangering an opponent” or to have used “excessive force”.This means that neither Barrott or Tierney felt that Tarkowski’s challenge had met either criteria for a red.After Mac Allister received treatment, Liverpool got the game going again – with Dominik Szoboszlai missing the resulting free-kick.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFormer Premier League referee Mike Dean was watching the game for Sky Sports News.Reviewing the incident, the 56-year-old said: “The follow through is awful. He hasn’t got his leg planted, luckily enough.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey ‘amazed’ James Tarkowski dodged red card in Merseyside derby”But it’s a red card – speed, intensity, force – the lot. He gets the ball but the follow through… it’s a terrible challenge.”For me he (Barrott) should have gone to the screen, should have sent Tarkowski off – 100 per cent.”At half-time, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said of Barrott: “He’s in a great position, he has to see that.”Carragher then added: “For Paul Tierney not to give that on VAR, shocking.”Everton hero Duncan Ferguson agreed, saying “no argument, straight red” – before calling the challenge a “leg-breaker”.Gary Neville added: “It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that.”Toffees boss David Moyes called it a “brilliant tackle for a derby game” – but then admitted that his side may have been “fortunate”.RECORD BOOKSTarkowski’s booking means that he has tied the Premier League record for receiving the most yellow cards without being sent off.The centre-back has now been booked 63 times in 300 appearances in England’s top flight, taking him level with Oriol Romeu’s tally of bookings.Following the contentious incident, Everton caused Liverpool problems at Anfield.Forward Beto was in the thick of the action, having a goal ruled out for offside in the 21st minute.The lanky front-man later burst through on goal, only to strike the post as the Kop End held its collective breath.Read More on The SunDavid Moyes’ side were made to regret their missed opportunities, with Diogo Jota firing Liverpool into the lead just shy of the hour mark.The Premier League leaders were then able to see out a 1-0 victory, reclaiming their 12-point lead at the top of the table.Tarkowski somehow looked incredulous at being bookedCredit: PA More