Ref's lack of experience key to Keane red

TARKOWSKI ANGRY OVER ‘REALLY POOR DECISION'

- By CONNOR O'NEILL ECHO Reporter

JAMES TARKOWSKI cited Thomas Kirk's lack of Premier League experience as one of the reasons why Michael Keane was sent off against Wolves.

The Everton centre-back was shown a red card for violent conduct after pulling the hair of Tolu Arokodare as the pair competed in an aerial duel.

Keane's night turned sour with seven minutes of normal time remaining as he was given his marching orders by Kirk following a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) intervention. Everton manager David Moyes was furious at the “ridiculous” decision that saw his defender sent off while Tarkowski couldn't believe what had happened.

And the Blues captain believes referee Kirk’s lack of topflight experience - he was taking charge of just his second Premier League game - played a part in him making the “really poor decision”.

“I don’t think anyone can believe it,’ Tarkowski said. “The referee said the letter of the law is if you pull someone's hair, it is violent conduct.

“But I think there has to be an act of violence for it to be violent conduct. We all know Keano, he is the nicest fella around and never intends to do anything.