Fans slam ‘rigged’ Merseyside derby as Liverpool star Konate dodges second yellow… then is immediately hauled off

EVERTON supporters and boss Sean Dyche were left fuming after Ibrahima Konate escaped a red card.

The Toffees were at Anfield this afternoon for the Merseyside Derby against the Reds.

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Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate was lucky to escape a red card against EvertonCredit: AP

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The French defender was already on a booking when he fouled BetoCredit: TNT Sports

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The foul stopped an Everton counter-attack and looked a certain yellow cardCredit: TNT Sports

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Konate escaped a yellow card for the challenge to Everton’s furyCredit: TNT Sports

But they were reduced to ten men during the first half when full-back Ashley Young was given his marching orders on 37 minutes for a second yellow card.

After the goalless opening period, Liverpool defender Konate received a caution himself.

However, there was drama moments later around the hour mark when the 24-year-old escaped a red card himself.

He cut out an Everton counter-attack near the halfway line as he fouled Beto.

Players from the Blues soon surrounded the referee calling for a second yellow while boss Dyche screamed for one in his technical area.

But the ref waved away all those appeals and allowed him to stay on – before Jurgen Klopp instantly replaced the Frenchman with Joel Matip.

Dyche was booked for his protests – and supporters of Everton soon vented their fury on social media.

One blasted: “Rigged! Konate should’ve been sent off!”

Another commented: “Hope Everton gets the game replayed cuz Konate should’ve gone. F***ing joke.”

“Clear second yellow for Konate but because it’s Liverpool, play on,” raged another before adding: “Disgusting ref!”

As another furious fan said: “Konate should be off. Absolutely disgusting. Should be 10v10.”

Things got even worse for Everton seconds later when Michael Keane was adjudged to have handballed inside the area after a VAR check.

And that allowed Mo Salah to break the deadlock from the penalty spot.

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Toffees boss Sean Dyche was raging at the decision

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Jurgen Klopp reacted by instantly bringing on Joel Matip for the French aceCredit: TNT Sports