Liverpool denounce 'inhuman and spineless' racist harassment targeting Konate online

The France defender clashed with Victor Osimhen leading to the Galatasaray forward being replaced at half time in their Champions League match due to a later confirmed fractured arm.

Liverpool secured a 4-0 win in Wednesdays last 16 second leg at Anfield resulting in a 4-1 aggregate triumph.

Following the confrontation with Osimhen the central defender Konate faced attacks on social platforms something Liverpool described as completely intolerable.

"It is inhuman spineless and driven by prejudice. Bigotry has no role in football no role in our communities and no role anywhere whether online or in person" stated the club.

"Our athletes are not targets. They are individuals. The ongoing harassment aimed at players frequently concealed by fake profiles represents a disgrace to the sport and to the sites that permit it to thrive."

Liverpool urged social media operators to intensify efforts against racist harassment.

"Platforms on social media need to step up and respond immediately" the statement declared.

"This unacceptable state of affairs must end. It demands confrontation challenge and elimination not in the future but right away."

Authorities initiated a probe after four Premier League athletes endured online racist attacks during the same weekend last month.

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated that the administration would push tech firms for enhanced safeguards following incidents involving Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare Sunderlands Romaine Mundle Chelseas Wesley Fofana and Burnleys Hannibal Mejbri.