Ibrahima Konate: Liverpool ‘disgusted’ by racist abuse towards France defender

Liverpool They said they were “horrified and disgusted” by the racist abuse directed at defender Ibrahima Konate on social media.

The French national player got into a fight with Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen in the first half of the Champions League match, which Liverpool won 4-0 at Anfield on Wednesday.

Osimhen was taken off at half-time and it was later revealed by the Turkish side that he had suffered a broken forearm.

This led to Konate receiving racist abuse online, which Liverpool said was “completely unacceptable”.

“This is inhumane, cowardly and rooted in hatred,” the club said in a statement on Friday. he said.

“Racism has no place anywhere, in football, in society, online or offline.

“Our players are not targets. They are people. The continued abuse of players, often hidden behind anonymous accounts, is a stain on the game and the platforms that allow it to continue.”

The club said they gave Konate their “full support” and were working with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible.

Last month police confirmed they were launching an investigation after four Premier League players were subjected to racist abuse online over a weekend.

Osimhen appeared to fall awkwardly after a tackle on Konate in the eighth minute, but he continued to play until he was replaced by Leroy Sane at half-time.

Galatasaray Coach Okan Buruk complained about the decision made by referee Pawel Raczkowski after the Nigerian striker was injured.

Buruk said, “When we looked at Osimhen’s position, we saw that Konate could commit these fouls very easily and commit all kinds of fouls easily.”

“While we were waiting for the best referee in the world, perhaps one of the worst referees officiated the match.”

Liverpool won the last 16 match 4-1 on aggregate and will face Paris St-Germain in the quarter-finals next month.

The club called on social media companies to “take responsibility and act now” to prevent racist abuse towards players online.

“These platforms have the power, technology and resources to prevent this abuse, but often they fail to do so,” Liverpool said.

“Allowing racist hatred to spread unchecked is a choice and continues to harm players, families, and communities across the game.

“The current situation cannot be allowed to continue. It must be confronted, challenged and eliminated; not tomorrow, right now.”