SHOCKING TRUTH REVEALED! The REAL reason why Ibrahima Konate wasn’t sent off during PSG vs Liverpool has FINALLY emerged!
The Real Reason Ibrahima Konate Avoided a Red Card in PSG vs. Liverpool
Liverpool Defender Ibrahima Konate Escapes Dismissal
During Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain, Ibrahima Konate was fortunate to stay on the pitch despite a controversial challenge.
The Reds struggled in the first half as PSG’s intensity and relentless pressing gave Luis Enrique’s side the upper hand. The hosts launched wave after wave of attacks, and in the 26th minute, Bradley Barcola attempted to capitalize on a lofted pass over Liverpool’s defense.
As the last defender, Konate clashed with Barcola, bringing him down. However, Italian referee Davide Massa initially allowed play to continue. VAR stepped in to assess the incident, prompting heated discussions. TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand was convinced it warranted a sending-off, yet to Liverpool’s relief, the decision favored the visitors.
Why Konate Wasn’t Shown a Red Card
Despite the review, Konate remained on the pitch due to the technical interpretation of the rules. According to GOAL, VAR upgraded the foul’s severity but couldn’t suggest a yellow card since the initial decision wasn’t deemed a clear and obvious error. As a result, the challenge didn’t meet the threshold for a red card.
The situation drew comparisons to Ronald Araujo’s dismissal in Barcelona’s 4-1 loss to PSG last year, where the Uruguayan was sent off for bringing down a PSG attacker in a similar last-man scenario. Barcelona supporters, in particular, might question UEFA’s consistency in such calls.
Making his first Champions League appearance since November, Konate had a challenging night, frequently tested by Barcola and Ousmane Dembele’s pace. Partnering Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defense, the Frenchman faced constant pressure. However, goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s outstanding performance kept Liverpool in the game before Harvey Elliott’s late goal secured a vital resuPundits React to the Controversial Decision
Football analysts were divided over the incident. Ferdinand, shocked by the outcome, was confident it should have been a dismissal:
“That’s a foul. The push is in the back—it’s a clear foul. If that’s not a red card, I’ll be shocked.”
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock also weighed in on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“It’s one of those where you’ve seen them given. If I were a PSG player, I’d be frustrated.”
Liverpool will be relieved by the outcome, as Konate will be available for the crucial second leg at Anfield on March 11. His partnership with Van Dijk has been crucial throughout the season, and after PSG’s dominant display in the first leg, Liverpool’s defensive duo must be at their best in the return fixture.
