Liverpool Ibrahima Konate vs PSG
(Credit: TNT Sports)
Keith Hackett
Wed 5 March 2025 22:10, UK
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate should definitely have been sent off during his side’s Champions League clash with PSG, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the defender prevented an obvious goalscoring opportunity when he brought down opposition attacker Bradley Barcola.
Arne Slot‘s side travelled to the French capital on Wednesday (5 March) for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash against PSG.
Liverpool went into that game unable to call upon the injured Cody Gakpo, but will have been confident regardless amid their dominant form in the Premier League.
However, it was PSG who enjoyed full control of the opening exchanges of the game, in which the visitors were lucky not to go down to ten men.
Keith Hackett on Liverpool PSG Ibrahima Konate red card check
Keith Hackett has reacted to Ibrahima Konate avoiding a red card against PSG
Ibrahima Konate survives red card check vs PSG
Throughout the course of the first half, it was the French champions who consistently enjoyed the clearer chances to open the scoring.
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Indeed, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia had produced a stunning finish that looked as though it had put PSG ahead, only for VAR to rule the goal out for the narrowest of offsides.
Liverpool were also seemingly fortunate not to have Konate sent off after he brought down Barcola on the edge of the penalty area with a shove in the back as the home attacker ran clear.
Ibrahima Konate for Liverpool in 2024/25 Total (as per SofaScore)
Appearances 22
Tackles per Game 1.4
Clearances per Game 4
Fouls per Game 0.9
Yellow Cards 5
Red Cards 0
Premier League only
Referee Davide Massa chose not to penalise the incident, which was then checked by VAR without any action being taken.
Konate was previously lucky not to be sent off for Liverpool in their win over Wolves, and Hackett believes the centre-back got away with another one here.
‘Liverpool should have been down to ten men vs PSG’ – Keith Hackett
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision not to send off Konate, the former referee said:
“That is a push and has denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity which should have resulted in a red card. VAR should have advised the referee to visit the monitor to review his decision.
“When Konate was chasing the PSG player who was in a very clear goal scoring opportunity, you thought to say leave him alone but no he pushed him over.
“The referee gives nothing, VAR looks at it, does nothing, it’s a clear and obvious error and Konate’s very fortunate not to have a red card for the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity.”
The fact Konate was not sent off proved significant as Liverpool managed to ride out the onslaught from their hosts before snatching a late winner through Harvey Elliott.
That has now given Arne Slot’s side a 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield next week.
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