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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Main Event

Harri Burton

Tue 5 August 2025 18:43, UK

James Tarkowski only had himself to blame for Man United’s opening goal against Everton in the Premier League Summer Series.

Ruben Amorim‘s side raced into the lead via Bruno Fernandes‘ third goal of the tournament on Sunday, 3 August, with goals from Iliman Ndiaye, Mason Mount, and an Ayden Heaven own goal sealing a 2-2 draw.

The 90 minutes at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium were filled with drama, not least Fernandes and Ndiaye clashing on the halfway line and both stars being issued yellow cards by the referee.

While many fans were expecting further punishment for the United captain, few could complain as David Moyes‘ side conceded an early penalty through Tarkowski before fighting for a comeback in America.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

After initially doing well to keep up with Amad Diallo, the centre-back eventually felt the need to drag the 21-year-old to the floor, giving away a spot-kick in the opening 20 minutes.

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Of course, Tarkowski argued against the decision, but after 14 weeks on the sidelines, it became clear that the 32-year-old still needs more minutes under his belt before the new season kicks off.

While many Everton supporters on social media suggested that Amad had gone to ground far too easily, the referee’s decision has now been backed up by an experienced figure from the world of refereeing.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There is no doubt that when an attacking player, at the elite level of the game, feels contact in the box and they’ve lost the chance to score, they go down.

Then you have defenders who stick out their arms and legs, and do not defend in the way that they should.



James Tarkowski was punished for his push on Amad Diallo.

(Credit: Imago)

“It doesn’t matter how much he has hold of – he’s using his hands and arms.

In England, you’d probably get nothing, but when you’re overseas in the States, you’ll get punished.

Tarkowski needs to stop playing with his arms and hands and make a genuine attempt for the ball.”

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