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Everton Football Club has denounced the online abuse and threats directed at defender James Tarkowski and his family following Wednesday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool. The club has vowed to support Tarkowski and cooperate with authorities in addressing the unacceptable harassment.
Tarkowski found himself at the center of controversy during the match at Anfield after a forceful challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the first half. Though referee Sam Barrott issued a yellow card for the tackle, the decision was met with scrutiny as the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) later admitted that the challenge met the criteria for a red card. Despite this admission, Everton manager David Moyes has insisted that the level of backlash aimed at the defender is unjustified.
“The club has released a statement on this issue, and it's simply not acceptable in any aspect of life,” Moyes stated. “Yes, after reviewing the footage, I can see why some think it could have been a red card, but that doesn’t justify the abuse James has faced. Football is a passionate game, but threats and vile comments cross the line.”
Tarkowski’s wife, Samantha, took to Instagram to expose the severity of the situation, revealing that the family had received death threats. “The level of abuse my husband is receiving—wishing death on him, vile comments about me, about us as a couple, and about him as a person—is beyond disgusting,” she wrote. “People forget that he is more than just a footballer. He’s a husband, a son, a friend, and most importantly, the father of our two children. This kind of behavior is disgraceful and goes far beyond football.”
Everton released an official statement condemning the threats and reaffirming their commitment to tackling online harassment. “Everton Football Club is aware of the threats made towards James Tarkowski and his family on social media. Such behavior is completely unacceptable and has no place in football or society,” the statement read. “The club is in contact with James and Samantha and stands ready to engage with social media companies and assist the police in any potential investigation. Everton strongly condemns any form of intimidation, threats, or abuse directed at players, staff, or their families.”
Despite the controversy, Tarkowski personally reached out to Mac Allister after the match to apologize for the challenge, which the Liverpool midfielder reportedly accepted. Speaking about the incident, Tarkowski admitted, “I spoke to him and apologized because it wasn’t a great tackle. I expected a 50-50 challenge, but he pulled out, and as I lunged, I caught him high. I’ve apologized, and he accepted it—it wasn’t my intention to hurt him.”
As Everton continues to support their player, the incident has reignited discussions around online abuse in football, with growing calls for social media companies to take stronger action against those who engage in threats and harassment. The club remains firm in its stance against such behavior, emphasizing that players and their families deserve respect and protection from such toxic elements in the sport.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @everton
