Liverpool FC have issued a statement condemning racist abuse directed at defender Ibrahima Konate following their recent match in the UEFA Champions League.
The France international was involved in an on pitch incident with Victor Osimhen during the last 16 second leg at Anfield. The Galatasaray striker was substituted at half time and was later diagnosed with a broken arm.
Liverpool won the match 4-0, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory to progress in the competition.
Following the match, Konate was subjected to racist abuse on social media. Liverpool described the behaviour as unacceptable and issued a strong response condemning the messages directed at the player.
In the club statement, Liverpool said the abuse was dehumanising, cowardly and rooted in hate. The club added that racism has no place in football or society and called for action to address the issue both online and offline.
Liverpool also stated that players should not be treated as targets and highlighted concerns about anonymous accounts being used to send abusive messages. The club described such behaviour as damaging to the sport and called on social media companies to take responsibility.
The statement urged technology platforms to take immediate action to prevent racist abuse, adding that the current situation must be confronted and eradicated without delay.
The issue of online abuse has continued to affect football in recent months. Police opened an investigation after several players were targeted over the same weekend last month.
Those affected included Tolu Arokodare of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Romaine Mundle of Sunderland AFC, Wesley Fofana of Chelsea FC, and Hannibal Mejbri of Burnley FC.
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer confirmed that the United Kingdom government is placing pressure on technology companies to improve protections for users. The government has called for stronger measures to reduce online abuse and ensure greater accountability across digital platforms.
