Liverpool calls out social media over racism towards Konate

Liverpool's press office has released a statement on social media regarding the increasing instances of racism against club defender Ibrahima Konate.

Idman.Biz reminds that Konate was included in the Champions League team of the week for his performance in the second leg of the Champions League 1/8 final, in which they won 4-0 against Galatasaray.

Liverpool Football Club is shocked and appalled by the vile racist abuse directed at Ibrahima Konate on social media.

This behaviour is completely unacceptable. It is abhorrent, cowardly and motivated by hatred. There is no place for racism in football, in society, anywhere – not online, not in real life.

Our players are not targets. They are human beings. The continued abuse of footballers, often hidden behind anonymous accounts, is a disgrace to the game and something that allows it to perpetuate.

The entire football world needs to unite and send a clear and uncompromising message that this is unacceptable. It is not enough to just condemn it.

Social media companies need to take responsibility and act immediately. They have the power, the technology and the resources to prevent this kind of abuse from happening, but too often they fail to do so. Allowing racist hate to spread unchecked is a choice and it continues to damage players, families and communities in football.

We will continue to offer Ibrahima our full support and will work with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible and, where possible, prosecute." However, the onus cannot be on players and clubs to carry the burden of responsibility after the damage has already been done.

The current situation is unacceptable. It has to be challenged, fought and eradicated – not tomorrow, but now," wrote Liverpool's official website.