Ibrahima Konate controversially avoids second yellow card for Liverpool as Everton players fume

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate escaped a second yellow card during the Merseyside derby - and Everton players were furious with referee Craig Pawson.

The Frenchman had been cautioned on 50 minutes for a foul, before then bringing down Beto as he looked to run clear on an Everton counter attack.

Liverpool had just one player back at the time, and Konate's act sparked some concern among the Anfield faithful that their team might be reduced to 10 players.

However, Pawson elected not to book the centre-back for the challenge - leaving Everton players apoplectic.

Here’s the clip of Konate’s potential second yellow (not given).

Thoughts?pic.twitter.com/nqVDpPeQfe

— Samii (@samiichels) October 21, 2023

And TV cameras cut across to Toffees boss Sean Dyche, who showed his disbelief on the touchline.

Everton were already down to 10 men themselves, with right-back Ashley Young sent off for two yellow cards in the first half.

A second yellow card for Konate would have levelled the playing field, therefore, but the Liverpool centre-back was allowed to continue despite the protestations of Everton players and their manager.

Konate was then substituted by manager Jurgen Klopp - with Mohamed Salah later putting the Reds ahead from the spot to further deepen Everton's misery.

Luis Diaz's cross was handballed by Toffees defender Michael Keane, with referee Pawson pointing to the spot after being asked to go over to the VAR monitor in order to check the decision.

Salah made no mistake from the spot, sending Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford the wrong way to give Liverpool a crucial advantage heading into the last 15 minutes of the game.

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