Molby: “Paul Tierney has no credibility after Tarkowski VAR decision” | OneFootball

Molby Furious at Officiating in Derby Victory

In the latest episode of “Molby On The Spot” on Anfield Index, Liverpool legend Jan Molby gave a scathing assessment of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Everton at Anfield. While the Reds secured a vital three points in the title race, Molby was far more interested in what he saw as a failure of basic refereeing standards, particularly the decision not to send off James Tarkowski for his tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.

“I was in the ground last night,” Molby said, “and you were watching repeatedly, Jota, Diaz, different players fouled time after time and the referee just waved play on. Just not even difficult fouls to call – the most obvious fouls you can see.”

But it was Tarkowski’s lunge on Mac Allister that left Molby incensed. Referee Paul Tierney chose not to issue a red card, even after a VAR review – something the former midfielder found totally unacceptable.

“How Paul Tierney can watch the replay of that Tarkowski challenge on Mac Allister and not come to a red card decision… something needs to be done about that,” Molby said.

Photo: IMAGO

“Gross Incompetence” in the VAR Booth

Molby didn’t stop there. He continued to tear into Tierney and the video assistant referee system, calling the incident a clear example of professional failure.

“Even Duncan Ferguson – big Dunc, the man with the Everton badge on his arm – was clear and said it’s an easy decision. It was a clear red card, no doubt about it.”

Reflecting on the use of VAR, Molby said:

“To watch that and not give a red card, to me, screams gross incompetence. Now in a workplace, we can all make mistakes – but there are different levels of mistakes. And gross misconduct would usually constitute dismissal.”

It wasn’t just about one bad tackle. Molby painted a picture of a match in which Liverpool players were repeatedly fouled with impunity, and officials failed to protect them.

Slot Keeps His Cool Amid Controversy

While Molby vented his frustration, he acknowledged that Liverpool head coach Arne Slot took a more measured approach in his post-match comments.

“Slot didn’t pile on,” Molby said. “There was a class to it. He said, ‘Let’s move on to Sunday.’” The Dutchman was “magnanimous in the whole thing” according to Molby, but that didn’t mean the incident should be ignored.

“You can’t just sack all the refs,” Molby admitted, “but I just can’t see how that can be left alone, that something doesn’t get done.”

Officials in Spotlight Again

Molby’s analysis was not merely the rant of a partisan former player. It was a forensic breakdown of officiating standards, and a reminder of how far things have fallen. He even questioned Tierney’s credibility going forward, asking: “How does he have any credibility at all?”

Molby went on to suggest that refereeing bodies need to look at how officials are promoted and assessed:

“This referee looked out of his depth. And it was interesting that they said he was newly promoted. Over-promoted, I think that’s fair to say.”

Win That Didn’t Feel Right

For all the satisfaction of taking three points from their city rivals, the mood in Molby’s review was not celebratory. Instead, it was a warning to Liverpool, to the Premier League, and to fans of the game: poor officiating is becoming the story, when it should be about football.

Liverpool may have walked away with the win, but as Molby made clear, there was only one major talking point:

“You expect bad decisions. You don’t expect this.”