Liverpool FC have condemned racist abuse directed at defender Ibrahima Konate following their Champions League win over Galatasaray.
Konate came under attack on social media after an early challenge involving Victor Osimhen, who later suffered a fractured forearm during the match at Anfield. The incident sparked online backlash, with Liverpool describing the abuse as “appalled and disgusted” and calling it “dehumanising, cowardly and rooted in hate.”
The club emphasised that racism has no place in football or society, adding that players should not be treated as targets and must be respected as human beings. Liverpool confirmed they are offering Konate full support and are working with authorities to identify those responsible.
Premier League also condemned the abuse, stating that discrimination has no place in the game and warning that offenders could face bans and legal consequences. The league added that stronger action is needed, including collaboration with clubs, law enforcement, and social media platforms.
The match itself saw Liverpool secure a 4-0 victory on the night and progress 4-1 on aggregate, setting up a quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool further called on social media companies to take greater responsibility, arguing that platforms have the tools to prevent such abuse but often fail to act. The club stressed that allowing racist content to spread unchecked is a conscious failure that harms players, families, and communities.
The incident adds to a growing number of cases involving online abuse of footballers, with authorities continuing to face pressure to take stronger action against perpetrators.
