Liverpool F.C. have strongly condemned the racist abuse aimed at Ibrahima Konaté following his challenge on Victor Osimhen during their Champions League victory over Galatasaray.
Konaté faced online backlash after a first-half collision with Osimhen in Wednesday’s 4-0 win at Anfield. The Nigerian forward initially continued playing but was substituted at half-time and later diagnosed with a fractured forearm.
In response to the abuse, Liverpool issued a firm statement describing the behaviour as “completely unacceptable.”
“It is dehumanising, cowardly and rooted in hate,” the club said.
“Racism has no place in football, in society, or anywhere—online or offline. Our players are not targets; they are human beings. The continued abuse, often from anonymous accounts, is a stain on both the game and the platforms that enable it.”
The club reaffirmed its full support for Konaté and revealed it is working with relevant authorities to identify those responsible.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistent issue of online abuse in football, coming just weeks after police opened investigations into racist attacks targeting multiple Premier League players over a single weekend.
Osimhen’s injury occurred after an awkward fall in the eighth minute following the challenge. Although he played on until the break, he was replaced in the second half by Leroy Sané due to the arm fracture.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk also criticised referee Paweł Raczkowski for his handling of the incident.
“From Osimhen’s position, it was clear Konaté could commit those fouls quite easily,” Buruk said.
“We expected one of the best referees, but what we saw was far from that.”
Liverpool advanced 4-1 on aggregate and will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.
Liverpool have condemned the racist abuse targeted at defender Ibrahima Konate, following their victory over Galatasaray in a UEFA Champions League earlier this week.
The Reds thrashed the Turkish champions 4-0 to seal a 4-1 aggregate win to qualify for the quarter-finals.
But the result of the game at Anfield has been overshadowed by online abuse directed at Konaté.
The Frenchman accidentally collided with Victor Osimhen, leading to a serious arm injury for the Nigerian striker.
But in a statement on social, Liverpool frowned at the attacks directed at the player.
“Liverpool FC is appalled and disgusted by the vile and abhorrent racist abuse directed at Ibrahima Konaté on social media,” the statement said.