Konate privately concedes he was fortunate to avoid red card at PSG

The French centre-back played the full 90 minutes as Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Paris, despite the hosts controlling much of the game. However, controversy arose in the 25th minute when Konate appeared to push Bradley Barcola as the PSG forward broke through on goal.

Referee Davide Massa allowed play to continue, and after a brief VAR review, no action was taken against the Liverpool player. While many felt the defender should have been dismissed, he was spared any punishment.

According to French outlet Le Parisien, Konate has since acknowledged to those close to him that the referee made an error and that he should have been shown a red card for the incident.

This revelation contradicts his post-match remarks to Canal Plus, where he dismissed suggestions of a foul. "VAR checked it," he insisted. "If there had been a real push, I would have been sent off. Yes, I'm strong, but I didn't use force—just placed my arm. If I had been more aggressive, then we could debate it… but it was nothing."

While opinions remain divided, it seems even Konate himself now recognises that he may have been fortunate to escape without a red card.