Galatasaray secretary general Eray Yazgan has accused Liverpool of making 'imaginary statements' about social media racist abuse directed at Ibrahima Konate, as Turkish club considers legal action over Noa Lang injury
Stephen Killen Senior Sports Content Creator
21:08, 20 Mar 2026Updated 21:08, 20 Mar 2026
Galatasaray chief Eray Yazgan has taken aim at Liverpool in a sordid statement.
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Galatasaray chief Eray Yazgan has taken aim at Liverpool in a sordid statement.(Image: Getty Images)
Galatasaray secretary general Eray Yazgan has dismissed Ibrahima Konate's racial abuse accusations, accusing Liverpool of 'imaginary statements'.
The Turkish club official has claimed that the Reds have tried to cover up the incident surrounding Noa Lang's gruesome finger injury. Yazgan has alleged that the Reds have failed to apologise for the incident, which left the Dutch winger requiring surgery on his thumb after crashing into the pitchside advertising boards.
Reports emerged yesterday that Galatasaray were considering legal proceedings after lodging a formal complaint seeking compensation for the duration Lang will be sidelined through injury.
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Galatasaray forward Noa Lang suffered a gruesome finger injury against Liverpool.(Image: Getty Images)
In an interview with A Spor, Yazgan said: "Liverpool has not offered a single apology to our club or our player. This is unacceptable. This silence and disregard for responsibility is an attempt to cover up the incident.
"While Liverpool hasn't even apologised, they are now trying to divert attention by bringing up imaginary statements they claim were made on social media against their player Ibrahima Konate.
"While there is a serious situation threatening the player's health, Liverpool is trying to change the subject."
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He added: "While Liverpool hasn't even apologised, we see them trying to divert attention by bringing up imaginary statements they claim were made on social media against their own player Konate.
"While there is a serious situation threatening the player's health, Liverpool is trying to change the subject. A club like Liverpool should first account for the scandal that happened on their pitch and offer the necessary apology without delay.
"UEFA has launched an investigation into the incident in which Lang was injured. We have also had contact with them. We will not let this go."
Konate delivered an impressive performance in a robust defensive display from Liverpool as they overturned the one-goal first-leg deficit.
Ibrahima Konate clapping
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Liverpool released a statement after Ibrahima Konate was subjected to racial abuse after their win over Galatasaray.
The French international was involved in a collision with Victor Osimhen that resulted in the Nigerian needing extensive treatment for a wrist injury.
On Friday, Liverpool and the Premier League condemned the racist abuse that Konate was subjected to on social media.
The Reds were left "appalled and disgusted" after the Frenchman was subjected to racist abuse online. In a statement, they said: "Liverpool FC 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.
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"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.
"Social media companies must take responsibility and act now. These platforms have the power, the technology 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."
UEFA have extended their best wishes to the Dutch international and announced they will be investigating the incident.
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The governing body stated: "UEFA has reviewed the circumstances leading to the unfortunate accident suffered by Galatasaray SK player Noa Lang and will be reviewing the pitch-side set up, including LED boards at all upcoming matches to identify any potential comparable risks and ask clubs to take appropriate measures if necessary. We wish Noa Lang a full and swift recovery."