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Why Nelson Semedo was sent off vs Liverpool as referee U-turn explained

Nelson Semedo was shown a red card for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
Nelson Semedo was shown a red card for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister. -Credit:Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images


Wolves defender Nelson Semedo was sent off for serious foul play for his first-half challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

The ECHO understands that after being instructed to review his on-field decision, the tackle was deemed to have crossed over the threshold to be deemed to have endangered the safety of an opponent or used excessive force. The incident occurred shortly before the half-hour mark when the two players collided, with the Argentine coming off worse after being caught on his ankle.

Chris Kavanagh initially showed a yellow card for the tackle, but he was directed to review the decision and swiftly swapped yellow for red, sending the 30-year-old for an early bath after checking the pitchside monitor. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was on commentary and felt the Portuguese full-back could have no complaints.

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He said: "No, not really (Semedo can't have any complaints). It's one of those ones you look at... when you look at it you look at the still and you see where it catches him. You can't really have too many complaints.

"It's probably just on the threshold because sometimes we see tackles that catch people on the ankle with a similar force and you give them a yellow because you don't class it as above the ball or going over the ball as such.

"But he does just slightly go over the ball. When you watch it like that you can probably say 'OK, more of a yellow',

"When you see it slowed down, and you just think the first contact, I always say when things are slowed down they look so much worse."

Mac Allister dusted himself down and rose highest to head Liverpool in front in Jurgen Klopp's final match as Liverpool manager. Jose Sa was left rooted to the spot after the 25-year-old nodded into the bottom left corner from Harvey Elliott's cross.

On the stroke of half-time, Jarell Quansah made it two goals in as many matches, prodding home from close-range after Mohamed Salah's half-volley.