Sunderland boss suggests referee vs Liverpool admitted to making huge error

Regis Le Bris has spoken about Chris Kavanagh's decision not to award a penalty against Ibrahima Konate in the first half of Liverpool's midweek win at Sunderland

Regis Le Bris said Chris Kavanagh apologized for not awarding a penalty against Ibrahima Konate

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris suggested referee Chris Kavanagh admitted he should have awarded a penalty against Ibrahima Konate in midweek.

Virgil van Dijk’s header proved to be the difference between Liverpool and Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday as the Reds returned to winning ways in the Premier League, but it could have been very different had Konate been penalized in the latter stages of the first half.

The French defender was involved in a tussle with Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey just before half-time, and while it seemed an innocuous moment, Le Bris implied the official acknowledged he had made an error.

“The referee recognised his mistake at half-time, the penalty. It was a pen,” he said, as per the Northern Echo.

“His [Brobbey’s] style of play is physical but he needs respect and a different point of view. It's not a usual style of play and I think at the minute he might be rewarded more often for sure.”

The outlet added that Kavanagh revealed he “should have awarded Sunderland a penalty”.

Le Bris felt Liverpool should have had a penalty given against it in midweek(Image: 2026 CameraSport)

Despite Le Bris’ comments, little was made of the incident at the time, nor was the moment highlighted in the post-match TV coverage. However, Konate’s performance was widely praised.

The 26-year-old, who is yet to agree a contract extension at Anfield, was involved in a recurring battle with Brobbey on Wednesday, with Konate appearing to enjoy the physical nature of the encounter.

“[Konate] was outstanding,” said Van Dijk after the game. “He was incredible today. Brobbey was with him 90 percent of the time.

“Brian Brobbey has made a lot of defenders' lives this season pretty difficult, but Ibou did outstanding.

Konate has been in excellent form in recent weeks(Image: Getty Images)

“Obviously, I want him to stay,” Van Dijk added, on his defensive colleague’s uncertain future.

“He’s an important figure on the pitch. That’s what everyone sees, but off the pitch as well, he’s one of the leaders. He’s outstanding and in my eyes, a world-class center-back.

“I can do only so much but it’s in the club's hands, together with his agents and himself, so let’s see what comes out of it. I have no influence otherwise on that.”

Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that negotiations over a new deal with Liverpool and Konate are ongoing.

“We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want,” said the Dutchman. “It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay.”

The PGMOL has been contacted for comment on Le Bris’ remarks.