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.

There was more controversy later as 10 minutes of extra time was announced, only for one minute to be taken off – sparking confusion from TNT Sport commentator.

But it was the red-card failure that angered Blues’ fans, with one blasting: “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