'Disgusted' Premier League condemns racist abuse of Ibrahima Konate and threatens consequences
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
The Premier League has joined Liverpool in condemning vile, racist social media abuse aimed at 26-year-old defender, Ibrahima Konate, after Wednesday's Champions League winThe Premier League has expressed their digust after Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate suffered racist abuse on social media(Image: Getty)The Premier League has expressed its disgust after Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate suffered vile racist abuse following the Reds’ Champions League win against Galatasaray.Konate, 26, played in Liverpool’s 4-0 second-leg win over the Turkish Giants, helping the Reds progress to the quarterfinals, where they will play defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain. However, Konate became a target for social media trolls, with the France international enduring vile racist abuse, which Liverpool has branded “dehumanizing” and “cowardly.”Liverpool also called on “social media companies must take responsibility and act now,” with such abuse “a stain on the game and on the platforms that allow it to persist.” The Premier League has followed suit, issuing its own furious statement, condemning attacks on Konate.READ MORE: Liverpool issues furious statement as Ibrahima Konate suffers 'abhorrent' racist abuseREAD MORE: Wayne Rooney settles Steven Gerrard debate in Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard verdict“We join Liverpool Football Club in strongly condemning the disgusting racist abuse directed at Ibrahima Konate and have offered our full support to the player and club,” the Premier League said.“We are appalled by the ongoing racism players are facing on social media.
Anybody who chooses to abuse others is not welcome in our game and they are not a true fan.“It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and we will work alongside clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure this remains a priority for all.“Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution.”Konate, 26, played in Liverpool's 4-0 win over Galatasaray on Wednesday(Image: Getty)Konate arrived at Liverpool in 2021 following an impressive spell with RB Leipzig in Germany. Since making the move, the centre-back has played a key role in the club’s success, contributing to triumphs in the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups.Still, his future at Anfield is uncertain, as his current deal runs out after five years, potentially paving the way for a departure this summer.
Talks are “continuing and are pretty cordial.”Konate and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool look on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match(Image: Getty)Liverpool returns to Premier League action on Saturday with a road trip to Brighton at the Amex. Arne Slot’s men are sitting fifth in the Premier League, two points behind fourth-place Aston Villa.A short international break will follow, with England manager Thomas Tuchel naming his final squad before this summer’s World Cup for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley.Liverpool will then return and play Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals, followed by a trip to the Parc des Princes, where they will hope to knock out the Champions League holders, PSG.In their final seven Premier League games, Liverpool will play three top-four rivals.