Liverpool Football Club has issued a strong condemnation of the racist abuse directed at defender Ibrahima Konate, describing it as “dehumanising, cowardly and rooted in hate”.
The France international became the target of online vitriol following a clash with Victor Osimhen, which resulted in the striker being substituted at half-time with a broken arm.
The club stated that the behaviour was “utterly unacceptable”.
In a powerful statement, Liverpool declared: “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.”
They emphasised the humanity of their players, adding: “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.”
Liverpool called for unity across the sport, asserting: “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.”
The club stressed that the current situation is unsustainable and placed the onus on social media providers to act decisively.
“Social media companies must take responsibility and act now,” the statement continued. “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.”
Liverpool pledged full support for Konate and vowed to work with authorities to identify those responsible, concluding: “The current situation cannot be allowed to continue. It must be confronted, challenged and eradicated – not tomorrow, but now.”
Liverpool and Konate are due to return to action on Saturday when they travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton.
