Liverpool secured a crucial 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield, restoring their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Arne Slot’s side looked dominant in the first half, with Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah finding the net. However, Wolves fought back strongly, with Matheus Cunha’s stunning strike setting up a tense finale.
The match wasn’t without controversy, as Ibrahima Konate avoided what many felt should have been a second yellow card in the first half.
The Liverpool defender was booked for pulling back Cunha and, minutes later, clattered into the Wolves forward near the edge of the box.
Despite loud appeals from Wolves players and fans, referee Simon Hooper opted against showing a second yellow, a decision that left Wolves boss Vitor Pereira frustrated.
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Pereira Questions Refereeing Decision
Speaking to Match of the Day, Pereira expressed his disappointment:
“I am not the referee, but for me, it was clear. What I say now won’t change anything, but in my opinion, the second yellow card should have been given.”
In a separate interview with Sky Sports, he added:
“I have my opinion, but I prefer to keep it to myself. It is better not to speak about referees.
Maybe it was a second yellow, and that could have changed the game, but it is what it is. I am proud of my players for how they performed in the second half.”
Slot Defends Konate’s Substitution Decision
At half-time, Liverpool manager Arne Slot made the pragmatic decision to substitute Konate, replacing him with Jarrell Quansah to avoid the risk of a red card.
In his post-match press conference, Slot defended his player, arguing that neither foul was deserving of a booking:
“Yes, I took him off because of that risk. The first yellow was soft, and if he had received a second for a shoulder push, that would have been another soft decision. I believe the referee thought the same, which is why he didn’t give it.”
Slot also emphasized the pressure referees face in such situations:
“Once you get an early booking, every next foul puts you and the referee under pressure. Against a strong Wolves team, you can’t play freely if you’re constantly worried about a second yellow.”
Konate Cleared to Face Aston Villa
Despite the heated debate, Konate remains eligible for Liverpool’s upcoming clash against Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
Slot’s decision to withdraw him at the break may have prevented further drama, but it hasn’t stopped discussions about refereeing consistency in the Premier League.
With Liverpool chasing the title, every decision counts and this one certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
