Liverpool condemn ‘unacceptable’ racist abuse of Konate

Liverpool have said they are “appalled and disgusted” by racist abuse directed towards defender Ibrahima Konate on social media.

The France international was involved in a challenge with Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen during the first half of Liverpool’s 4-0 Champions League win at Anfield on Wednesday.

Osimhen was subbed off at half-time, and it was later revealed by the Turkish side that he had fractured his forearm.

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

“It is dehumanising, cowardly and rooted in hate,” the club said on Friday.

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

“Our players are not targets. They are human beings. The abuse that continues to be directed at players, often hidden behind anonymous accounts, is a stain on the game and on the platforms that allow it to persist.”

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

The Premier League said it joined Liverpool “in strongly condemning the disgusting racist abuse”, warning discrimination “has absolutely no place in football or wider society”.

“Anybody who chooses to abuse others is not welcome in our game and they are not a true fan,” it added.

“It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and we will work alongside clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure this remains a priority for all.

“Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution.”

Last month, police confirmed they were investigating after four Premier League players experienced online racial abuse in one weekend.

Osimhen appeared to fall awkwardly following a challenge with Konate in the eighth minute, but he played on until he was replaced by Leroy Sane at the break.

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk complained about referee Pawel Raczkowski’s decision-making following the Nigeria striker’s injury.

“Looking at Osimhen’s position, we saw that Konate was able to commit these fouls very easily; he could easily apply any kind of foul,” Buruk said.

“While we were expecting the best referee in the world, perhaps one of the worst referees officiated the game.”

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

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

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

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

“The current situation cannot be allowed to continue. It must be confronted, challenged and eradicated – not tomorrow, but now.”