Ibrahima Konate during a Liverpool game
Liverpool have released a statement after defender Ibrahima Konate was racially abused
Liverpool have issued a statement denouncing the 'vile and abhorrent' racist abuse aimed at defender . French international Konate featured in
During the clash, he had a coming together with forward Victor Osimhen. As a result of the coming together, the Nigerian striker had to go off injured. Later on, it was confirmed by the Turkish heavyweights the ex-Napoli striker had broken his arm in the match.
It was also claimed the Nigerian international will be missing for around three months. After the match, Konate was subjected to revolting taunts on social media, which left the club furious.
took to social media and demanded action from social media companies, stating they have the power to tackle these comments head on. In a statement, they said: " is appalled and disgusted by the vile and abhorrent racist abuse directed at Ibrahima Konate on social media.
"This behaviour is utterly unacceptable. It is dehumanising, cowardly and rooted in hate. 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.
"All of football must stand together and say, clearly and without compromise, that this will not be tolerated. Words of condemnation alone are not sufficient.
Ibrahima Konate clapping during a Liverpool game
Liverpool have released a statement after Ibrahima Konate was racially abused
"Social media companies must take responsibility and act now. These platforms have the power, the and the resources to prevent this abuse, yet too often they fail to do so.
"Allowing racist hatred to spread unchecked is a choice – and it is one that continues to harm players, families and communities across the game. We will continue to offer Ibrahima our full support and will work with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible wherever possible.
"But the burden cannot keep falling on players and clubs to respond after the damage has already been done. The current situation cannot be allowed to continue. It must be confronted, challenged and eradicated – not tomorrow, but now."
In December 2024, Konate opened up about the racist abuse and discrimination he has faced in the past. He specified on instances which often happen in France, in an interview with French magazine So Foot.
He said: "When I return to Liverpool, I buy a business-class ticket to pass through more quickly. But when I arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, the staff don’t even look at my ticket and send me to economy class. What message does that send? That someone like me doesn’t deserve business class."
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