Exclusive: Liverpool star ‘should have been sent off’ after incident v Wolves

Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate should have seen red during their clash v Wolves after he was guilty of two cautionable offences, Keith Hackett has explained.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the timing between the offenses should not play a part in the ultimate decision and he could have received one yellow card for each incident in the move.

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Anfield played host to a spirited Wolves side who, despite being 2-0 down at half-time courtesy of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah threatened a second-half comeback.

Matheus Cunha’s 67th-minute strike got them back into the game, but their late pressure failed to pay off as Arne Slot’s side extended their lead a the top of the Premier League.

The game was not short of controversy, however, with Konate at the centre of much of it after his yellow card in the 31st minute eventually went no further.

Ibrahima Konate avoids ‘rare’ red card decision in Liverpool v Wolves

On-field referee was left with a difficult decision to make as the centre-back found himself involved in two incidents in quick succession.

Having got too tight to Wolves‘ Cunha, Konate’s arm around the attacker’s waist saw a blatant free kick and the expectation that a yellow card would be awarded.

However, after the referee’s whistle, he kicked the ball away in an attempt to delay the restart while he got back in position – something which eventually saw him booked.

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The controversy comes with the two incidents potentially both having been worth a yellow card, as many questioned which he had been theoretically allowed to get away with.

Keith Hackett insists Konate should have seen red after ‘clear’ incident

A similar incident was seen when Michael Oliver sent off Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli for two bookable offences at Molineux in 2022 – but Hackett explained such an incident is rare.

Hackett has suggested both the foul and kicking the ball away could have warranted individual bookings, ultimately resulting in a red card for the defender.

“Yes,” he told Football Insider.

“It would have been very easy to have issues two yellow cards for two separate offences.

“Rarely does that happen. The law, however, is clear.

“Where two separate cautionable offences are committed (even in close proximity), they should result in two cautions.

“For example, if a player enters the field of play without the required permission and commits a reckless tackle, or stops a promising attack with a foul/handball etc.”

This controversy comes just days after the action-packed Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, which saw Slot sent off by Michael Oliver after full-time.

Hackett told Football Insider that it was Oliver’s actions which caused the three red cards for Liverpool and one for Everton as tempers frayed.

After a busy week, the Reds are next in action when they face a visit to Villa Park on Wednesday 19 February, and they will be hoping for fewer refereeing discussions.

Ibrahima Konate could have seen red in Liverpool v Wolves

Konate had already been booked for a foul on Cunha earlier in the game, which had generated it’s own controversy as many felt he could have received two yellows.

Following the initial foul, the defender delayed the restart by kicking the ball away – a second bookable offence in quick succession.

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However, having avoided the calls for a red card, it was a second clash with Cunha which many felt should have seen Konate dismissed by Simon Hooper.

As the ball looped up on the edge of the area, the Brazilian met it first before being clattered into by his rival and left sprawled out on the floor.

Hooper, though, did not see the challenge as a bookable offence, and Hackett agrees.

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Hackett went on to explain that the referee Hooper had made the correct call to keep his cards in his pockets on this occasion.

The on-field official was praised for using his common sense and not brandishing a second yellow card – something referees are routinely scrutinised over.

Meanwhile, Hooper was also applauded for awarding the penalty kick from which Salah scored his 28th goal of the season.

“Konate on a yellow is walking a tightrope,” he told Football Insider.

“Referee Hooper got this one correct, it’s not a second yellow card for me.

“Hooper is doing okay using common sense, and was spot on with the penalty kick.”

The clash between Liverpool and Wolves was shrouded by plenty of controversy, largely involving Konate but also with a penalty shout for the Reds.

Hackett told Football Insider that Jota should have been punished for cheating after he avoided receiving a yellow card despite the decision that he was guilty of simulation.

Diogo Jota, somewhat spectacularly, threw himself to the floor under no contact resulting in VAR overturning the initial penalty decision.

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