Iraima Konate: Liverpool ‘disgusted’ by racist abuse of French defender

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

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

Osimhen was taken off at half-time and the Turkish team was again revealed to have a broken forearm.

It led to Konate receiving racial abuse online which Liverpool said was “absolutely unacceptable”.

“It is dehumanizing, cowardly and focused on hatred,” the group said on Friday.

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

“Our players are not victims. They are human beings. The ongoing abuse against players, often hidden under anonymous accounts, is a disgrace to the game and the platforms that allow it to continue.”

The group said it was giving Konate “full support” and working with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible.

The Premier League said it joined Liverpool in “strongly condemning the abhorrent abuse of racism”, warning discrimination had “absolutely no place in football or wider society”.

“Anyone who chooses to abuse others is not welcome in our game and is not a true fan,” he added.

“It is clear that there is still a lot to be done to fix this issue and we will work with clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure that this remains a priority for all.

“Any people identified and found guilty of discrimination will face strong consequences, including banning from clubs and legal prosecution.”

Last month, police confirmed they were investigating after four Premier League players were racially abused in one weekend.

Osimhen appeared to fall badly after challenging Konate in the eighth minute, but played on until he was taken off by Leroy Sane at the break.

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk complained about referee Pawel Raczkowski’s decision following the injury of the Nigerian striker.

“If we look at Osimhen’s place, we have seen that Konate was able to do this evil easily, he could have easily done any kind of evil,” said Buruk.

“When we were expecting the best referee in the world, maybe one of the worst referees was in charge of the game.”

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

The club called on social media companies to “commit and act now” to prevent racist abuse against players online.

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

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

“The status quo cannot be allowed to continue. It must be confronted, challenged and ended – not tomorrow, but now.”