Tarkovsky: Is my arms tightly attached to my body a handball? This is ridiculous

 7:56am, 19 August 2025

Earlier this morning, Everton lost to Leeds United 0-1 in the first round of the Premier League. After the game, Everton defender Tarkovsky accepted an interview with the media.

In this game, Tarkovsky gave a handball point, and Leeds United won the penalty with this penalty. The penalty was somewhat controversial. At that time, Tarkovsky blocked the incoming ball sideways and was hit by the ball, which was tightly attached to the left arm of the torso. Referee Chris Cavana hesitated and awarded a penalty kick, which made the Toffees players collectively furious.

Takovsky said after the game: "When the referee blew a whistle, I was sure that the penalty would be overturned. I asked him on the spot, 'It's also a handball'? He answered 'No'. Later, I heard that the basis for the penalty was that I had sideways, but the arm position was completely natural, which was ridiculous."