Liverpool call for action after Ibrahima Konate targeted by 'cowardly' racist abuse online

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Evening Standard

·20 March 2026

Liverpool call for action after Ibrahima Konate targeted by 'cowardly' racist abuse online

The Reds called racism a ‘stain’ on football that must be ‘confronted, challenged and eradicated’

Liverpool have condemned the “vile and abhorrent” racist abuse of defender Ibrahima Konate.

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The French centre-back was in action at Anfield for Arne Slot’s side in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Galatasaray, helping his team recover from their first-leg defeat to clinch a Champions League quarter-final berth in style.

Having remained an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham last weekend, Konate lasted the full 90 minutes against Galatasaray.

And two days later, Liverpool condemned the “cowardly” abuse of their player on social media after the match and called for racism’s “stain on the game” to be “confronted, challenged and eradicated”.

In a statement released on Friday, the club said it was “appalled and disgusted by the vile and abhorrent racist abuse directed at Ibrahima Konate on social media.

“This behaviour is utterly unacceptable. 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.

“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.

“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.”

Calling for more to be done to tackle racism in football, including online, the club added: “Social media companies must take responsibility and act now.

“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 will continue to offer Ibrahima our full support and will work with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible wherever possible,” the statement continued.

“But the burden cannot keep falling on players and clubs to respond after the damage has already been done.

“The current situation cannot be allowed to continue. It must be confronted, challenged and eradicated – not tomorrow, but now.”

Konate has been a regular fixture in the heart of Liverpool’s backline alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, missing only a handful of games this term.

He was absent for three matches in January, having been granted compassionate leave following the death of his father, before marking his return to the side with a goal.

The Reds travel to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.