Stephen Ward was incorrectly cautioned for a second bookable offence after the break at Anfield.

Frustrated Wolves boss Mick McCarthy believes rules may have been broken in Stephen Ward’s dismissal at Anfield.

Ward saw red for a second bookable offence for the slightest push on Lucas in the 2-0 defeat at Anfield.

The Irish left-back is banned for tonight’s clash with Manchester City and Wolves can’t appeal as only straight red cards can be contested.

The only way the decision can be overturned is if Sheldon referee Andre Marriner decides to review it.

But McCarthy believes fourth official Phil Dowd – under pressure from Liverpool’s bench – may have contacted referee Andre Marriner via his earpiece to illegally influence him in Ward’s second yellow card after Christophe Berra was initially incorrectly booked.

“I wasn’t bothered about what Liverpool’s players did, I just wonder if the fourth official whispered in the referee’s ear because he wasn’t convinced,” said McCarthy.

“Don’t let anybody tell you he was. The ref got the right player in the end but he got some flipping assistance. They were all in Dowd’s earhole and I’m not sure he knew who made the foul.

“I don’t think Dowd was sure but he got told quickly.

“I don’t know if Dowd told the referee who it was, but if you can get assistance from the fourth official then perhaps Ireland would be going to the World Cup.”

McCarthy sarcastically clapped Reds boss Rafael Benitez for ‘assisting’ the fourth official before Ward’s dismissal after Marriner initially spared Ward a second yellow card.

But the Wolves chief says there are no hard feelings.

“I clapped him because I want to win and I was upset,” he said.

“I thought he’d done well, so I applauded him in helping him get him sent off.

“We’re not there to be best mates, we’re out there to win.

“I’m fine with him now though. I’d have done the same.”