Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher asserts that the red card shown to Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate in the match against Arsenal was justified.

Konate received two bookings during the Emirates Stadium clash, impacting Liverpool’s bid for the top spot in the standings. His initial caution came in the 55th minute when he brought down Kai Havertz.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher believes the decision to show a red card in the 88th minute was correct. However, he pointed out that Havertz did not help his case by clutching his head during the incident.

Gallagher stated, “I would say no. In the first, he subdues him to the ground; had [Virgil] Van Dijk not returned, had he denied him a chance to score a goal? Definitely a red card. For the second one, Havertz doesn’t do himself any favours [clutching his head] but he deliberately blocks him off.”

Meanwhile, former Premier League player Jay Bothroyd, reviewing the situation in the studio, expressed dissatisfaction with Konate’s initial yellow card. Bothroyd commented, “The players are coming together. He has somewhat tugged him, but I’m not sure if it is a yellow. Definitely the second one.”

Despite the referee’s decisions, Liverpool had a challenging day, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal. The Gunners celebrated goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel (own goal), and Leandro Trossard, securing a vital win in the race for the top positions in the Premier League standings. Liverpool now leads Arsenal by two points, with Manchester City trailing by five points.