Everton have condemned the online abuse James Tarkowski has faced following Wednesday’s Merseyside Derby defeat to Liverpool.
Tarkowski was fortunate to escape a red card following an 11th-minute challenge on Alexis Mac Allister. The centre-back won the ball but followed through in a reckless manner, catching Mac Allister high on the leg.
He received a yellow card for the tackle, but the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) later admitted the decision was a mistake. PGMOL deemed Tarkowski’s challenge met the threshold for serious foul play.
“Everton Football Club is aware of threats made towards James Tarkowski and his family on social media.”
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— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 4, 2025
Everton have now released a statement to say the club are ‘aware of threats made towards James Tarkowski, and his family on social media’ in the aftermath of the game.
The Toffees are engaging with police ahead of a potential investigation and have ‘strongly’ condemned the abuse aimed at the 32-year-old.
“Everton Football Club is aware of threats made towards James Tarkowski, and his family on social media. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in football or society,” a club statement read.
“The Club is liaising with James and his wife Samantha, and stands ready to engage with the social media companies and assist the police with any potential investigation.
“Everton strongly condemns any form of online or offline intimidation, threats or abuse directed at players, staff, or their families.”
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