Keith Hackett: Liverpool star ‘walking a tightrope’ after red card decision
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate avoided being sent off while “walking a tightrope” after receiving an early yellow card v Wolves, Keith Hackett has explained.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the centre-back could have been sent off after he clattered into Matheus Cunha when already on a yellow card shortly before half-time in the Reds’ 2-1 win.
Arne Slot’s side eventually took all three points from the game, but things could have been worse if the centre-back had seen red as many expected.
First-half goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah has Liverpool on top at half-time, before Matheus Cunha’s 67th-minute strike put the pressure on.
Ultimately, though, it was too little too late for the visitors who remain just two points outside of the relegation zone following Ipswich’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
Liverpool, meanwhile, maintained their seven-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table and were able to avoid a wobble following the late 2-2 draw against Everton.
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.
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.
Hackett backs Simon Hooper after as Liverpool controversy re-analysed
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.
For more Liverpool news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.