After a challenging couple of matches, Liverpool regained their form in the first half of their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon, heading into the break with a 2-0 lead. Goals from Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah set the tone for Arne Slot’s side in the opening 45 minutes.
It was a relatively straightforward half for Liverpool, but the situation could have been very different, as Ibrahima Konaté was fortunate to avoid a red card before halftime. The defender received an early yellow card and was at risk of picking up a second on multiple occasions.
Konaté Kicked the Ball Away
He did so after already being booked
According to the rules, kicking the ball away after play has been stopped is a bookable offense, and players are typically shown a yellow card for doing so. However, shortly after receiving a caution for pulling the shirt of a Wolves player, Konaté booted the ball away in frustration but escaped further punishment. In similar situations, players like Gabriel Martinelli have been shown two quick yellow cards for a foul and subsequent dissent, so the Liverpool defender was lucky to remain on the pitch.
Football fans were quick to express their frustration on social media, pointing out that Konaté should have been sent off. One supporter on X (Twitter) wrote: “Should have been a Martinelli double yellow special!” Another added: “He should have had three yellows by now.” A third called the situation a farce, saying: “What a joke.”
But that wasn’t the only moment he risked a second booking in the first half.
Konaté’s Collision with Cunha
A reckless challenge
Despite his earlier good fortune, Konaté continued to play aggressively and was involved in a heavy collision with Matheus Cunha just before halftime. Near the Liverpool penalty area, he charged at the Wolves midfielder, who had already headed the ball away, and clattered into him, making contact with his head. While the referee awarded a free kick, he decided against issuing another yellow card.
Once again, fans reacted angrily. One wrote on X: “This was shocking. Konaté should have been sent off.” Another accused the Premier League of bias, stating: “Absolute corruption. The Premier League’s done.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Liverpool substituted Konaté at halftime, preventing any further controversy and ensuring he didn’t receive the second yellow card that many felt he deserved.
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