Liverpool condemned fans for cyberbullying Ibrahima Konaté following the club's victory over Galatasaray..
2026-03-23 06:53
Liverpool condemned the cyberbullying of their France international defender Ibrahima Konaté on their official website on Sunday, following the club's 4-1 Champions League Round of 16s victory over Galatasaray.
According to Liverpool's official statement, the club is disgusted by and has zero tolerance for cyberbullying. They also called on all social media companies to step up their efforts to prevent such malicious behavior from continuing, as no player, coach, staff member, or ordinary person should have to endure being cyberbullied.
Liverpool condemned the cyberbullying by saying: "Liverpool Football Club is shocked and outraged by the vile and abhorrent racist abuse suffered by Ibrahima Konaté on social media."
"This behaviour is utterly unacceptable. It is inhuman, cowardly, and rooted in hatred. Racism must never be tolerated in football, in society, or anywhere – online or offline."
"Our players are not targets. They are living, breathing human beings. The persistent abuse, often hidden behind anonymous accounts, tarnishes the sport and the platforms that condone it."
"The entire football community must unite and make it clear and uncompromising that this behavior will not be tolerated. Verbal condemnation alone is insufficient."
"Social media companies must take responsibility and act immediately. These platforms possess the ability, technology, and resources to stop such abuse, yet they often fail to do so. Allowing racial hatred to spread unchecked is an option – This choice continues to hurt players, their families, and the entire football community."
"We will continue to fully support Ibrahima and will work with the relevant authorities to do everything possible to identify those responsible. But now that things have come to this, the player and the club cannot be left to bear the responsibility alone."
"The current situation cannot continue. This phenomenon must be faced, challenged, and eradicated – not tomorrow, but now."
Konaté made a successful tackle during the Champions League match that resulted in Galatasaray's Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen being brought down and suffering a wrist injury .
Since then, despite helping Liverpool to a 4-1 aggregate victory over the Turkish Süper Lig giants, Konaté has been subjected to cyberbullying from radical Galatasaray fans.
Amidst this bullying, many Galatasaray fans are still resentful of Konaté's actions in injuring Osimhen and are deliberately mocked the Liverpool player's poor performances this season.
Image source: Internet / The Athletic
