Former top referee discusses the red card controversy in the Arsenal vs Liverpool match. Gabriel was not dismissed for the same foul that led to Ibrahim Konate’s red card…

Referee Dermot Gallagher has stated that Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate was correctly shown a red card during their match against Arsenal.

The red card incident in the Arsenal vs Liverpool match has been addressed by a former top referee. It is important to note that Gabriel was not given a red card for the same foul that resulted in Ibrahim Konate’s dismissal.

Don Hutchison believes that Gabriel Magalhaes was rather fortunate to escape a red card for Arsenal. Furthermore, he might perceive the referee’s decisions as even more unjust, given that Gabriel Magalhaes went unpunished following a collision with Darwin Nunez.

The centre-back received two bookings during the game, ultimately leading to his dismissal. In the 55th minute, Konate was cautioned for pulling Kai Havertz to the ground while trying to stop a breakaway.

In the defeat at the Emirates Stadium, the 24-year-old player received two bookings, which resulted in Jurgen Klopp’s side being pegged back at the top of the table. On the 55th minute, Konate received his first caution for pulling Kai Havertz to the ground while attempting a breakaway.

With only two minutes of normal time remaining, Konate received his marching orders for blocking off the German forward. This decision seemed to displease Klopp on the sidelines. During a discussion on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher expressed his belief that the right decision was made, although he felt that Havertz did not handle the situation well.

Gallagher explained, “Can he have any complaints? I’d say no. The first one, he wrestles him to the ground – on another day if [Virgil] Van Dijk hadn’t been back, was he denying him a goal-scoring opportunity? Certainly a yellow card.”

Regarding the second incident, Gallagher stated, “For the second one, Havertz doesn’t do himself any favours [clutching his head] but he deliberately blocks him off.” In the studio, former Premier League footballer Jay Bothroyd reviewed the incident and expressed his doubts about Konate’s first yellow card.

Bothroyd provided an explanation, stating that the players were coming together. He expressed uncertainty about whether the first incident warranted a yellow card, but he believed the second one definitely did.

Regardless of Anthony Taylor’s decisions, it was ultimately a disappointing day for the Reds. Arsenal took the lead within the first 15 minutes when Bukayo Saka scored from a rebounded shot by Havertz.

Liverpool managed to equalize before halftime thanks to a comical own goal by Gabriel. However, the hosts regained the lead when a miscommunication between Van Dijk and Alisson gifted Gabriel Martinelli an easy chance.

In the second half stoppage time, Leandro Trossard sealed the victory for his team by scoring from close range beneath Alisson. As a result, Liverpool remains two points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the table, but Manchester City is five points behind with two games in hand.