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.
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.
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.
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