James Tarkowski face a suspension of up to three matches after criticising referee Tony Harrington following Everton’s defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.
David Moyes saw his Everton side suffer a 2-0 loss against the reigning Premier League champions at the Emirates Stadium, extending their winless run in the league to three consecutive games.
It was another disappointing performance from the Toffees, who are beginning to feel the consequences of a difficult end to the summer transfer window that left Moyes with limited options across his squad.
However, Tarkowski believes the defeat was made worse by Harrington’s officiating, with the experienced defender expressing his frustration with the referee after the final whistle.
The Everton centre-back was particularly unhappy with an incident involving Viktor Gyokeres and Harrison Armstrong, believing the Arsenal striker had fouled the youngster in the build-up to the Gunners’ second goal.
His post-match comments could now land him in serious trouble.
What James Tarkowski Said After Everton’s Defeat to Arsenal and Why He’s in Trouble
Tarkowski made his feelings clear after Everton’s disappointing afternoon in north London.
Speaking on Match of the Day on Saturday night, the Blues defender said: “I thought the referee was very poor today. He was very poor.
“He gave them so many soft ones in the first half and gave us absolutely nothing.
“There were fouls where Harrison Armstrong had his shorts getting pulled off by Gyokeres, not too long before the second goal. And he didn’t give that.
“We all have had days, but I thought the referee, especially, had one.”
However, former PGMOL general manager Keith Hackett believes Tarkowski’s criticism went too far, warning that his remarks could have significant consequences for both the player and Everton.
FA ‘Certain’ to Punish Tarkowski
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Hackett expressed his disappointment with the Everton defender’s decision to publicly single out Harrington’s performance.
“I am certain that his personal attack on a referee’s performance in the media will result in him facing a sanction,” Hackett said.
“This should result in a fine and suspension, which would be in the region of £10,000, plus up to a three-game ban.
“He should have received some operational advice from Everton’s media team to ensure that he avoided making comment about the referee.”
Although players are permitted to discuss refereeing decisions and performances after matches, Hackett believes Tarkowski would have been better served by exercising greater caution with his public criticism.
The potential consequences are not without precedent.
Earlier this year, Manchester City midfielder Rodri was charged by the Football Association after he “acted in an improper manner during a post-match media interview by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official.”
Rodri’s remarks followed City’s February draw against Tottenham, when he questioned referee Rob Jones’s impartiality by claiming the official was not “neutral.”
While Tarkowski did not explicitly accuse Harrington of favouring Arsenal, his comments about the referee’s performance could still attract scrutiny from the FA.
The key question now is whether the governing body considers his remarks to have crossed the line into questioning the integrity or impartiality of a match official.
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