Liverpool v Wolves controversy: Micah Richards reacts as new Konate footage emerges
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate was at the centre of a yellow card controversy in the 2-1 win against Wolves on Sunday.
The France international picked up a booking on 16 February for delaying the restart in the first half and arguably should have had a second.
The 25-year-old went up for a header against eventual goalscorer Matheus Cunha, got nowhere near the ball and took the Brazilian down.
Regardless of this, the centre-back remained on the pitch and there have been mixed options over the decision emerging at Anfield.
Micah Richards reacts to Ibrahima Konate decision in Liverpool v Wolves
It says a lot that Arne Slot quickly hooked the defender at halftime and replaced him with Jarell Quansah to avoid facing another red card.
This was positive game management from the Dutchman who may believe that his side got away with one in L4 against the Black Country outfit.
Considering that Konate was already on a booking and got no touch on the ball in his challenge with the Wolves star, a second booking wouldn’t have been a shock.
Despite this, Ashley Williams has argued that the clash wasn’t deserving of a card as the Frenchman looked to win the ball.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2 (16 February), the ex-Everton man said: “I don’t think this was a yellow card, it looks worse on that angle.
“As you can see, he’s trying to make up the ground, Konate, he’s just looking at the ball and yes it’s a foul but I don’t think it’s a second yellow.”
Micah Richards was in full agreement as he added: “In slow motion, it looks worse but I don’t think it’s a second yellow. I don’t think you can send people off for that.”
Ibrahima Konate gets away with Liverpool challenge v Wolves
Ultimately, Slot and Co. won’t care about this decision after they secured a hard-fought three points against Wolves.
The away side dominated large spells of the second half but were unable to capitalise, even after Konate was taken off at Anfield.
Cunha caught the eye with his strike but his quality wasn’t enough to help his side secure a point, much to the delight of the Reds faithful.
Things could have been so different if the former RB Leipzig defender was sent off in the first half after a seriously clumsy challenge.
Although there is a point to be made to say that it was undeserving of a second yellow card, on another day the decision could have been much different.
This just adds a point of insecurity around the Frenchman who is typically solid but does have a moment of madness in him which will concern his manager.