Galatasaray chief makes vile Liverpool claim after racist abuse of Ibrahima Konate

Galatasaray chief Eray Yazgan spoke out after Noa Lang's injury during Liverpool's 4-0 win in the Champions League

Galatasary chief Eray Yazgan has made a sickening accusation against Liverpool regarding the racial abuse suffered by Ibrahima Konate.(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)

Galatasaray secretary general Eray Yazgan has levelled accusations at Liverpool, claiming the club is fabricating allegations of racial abuse aimed at defender Ibrahima Konaté.

The Turkish club official has made the startling claim while pledging to pursue the matter further following Noa Lang's serious injury sustained during Liverpool's 4-0 second-leg victory. Yazgan has alleged that the Reds have failed to issue an apology for the incident which left the Dutch winger requiring surgical intervention on his thumb following a collision with advertising boards.

Reports emerged yesterday suggesting Galatasaray were contemplating legal proceedings after lodging a formal complaint seeking compensation for Lang's anticipated spell on the sidelines.

Speaking to A Spor, Yazgan stated: "Liverpool has not offered a single apology to our club or our player. This is unacceptable. This silence and disregard for responsibility is an attempt to cover up the incident.

"Whilst Liverpool hasn't even apologised, they are now trying to divert attention by bringing up imaginary statements they claim were made on social media against their player Ibrahima Konate."

Konate was involved in an incident during Wednesday's win at Anfield(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"Whilst there is a serious situation threatening the player's health, Liverpool is trying to change the subject."

He further commented: "Whilst Liverpool hasn't even apologised, we see them trying to divert attention by bringing up imaginary statements they claim were made on social media against their own player Konate.

"Whilst there is a serious situation threatening the player's health, Liverpool is trying to change the subject. A club like Liverpool should first account for the scandal that happened on their pitch and offer the necessary apology without delay.

"UEFA has launched an investigation into the incident in which Lang was injured. We have also had contact with them. We will not let this go."

Konaté delivered a commendable performance in a robust defensive display from Liverpool as they overturned the one-goal first-leg deficit.

The French international was involved in a collision with Victor Osimhen that resulted in the Nigerian receiving extensive treatment for a wrist injury.

On Friday, both Liverpool and the Premier League condemned the racist abuse that Konaté was subjected to on social media.

The Reds expressed their "appalled and disgusted" reaction after the Frenchman was targeted with racist abuse online. In a statement, they declared: "Liverpool FC is 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.

"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.

"We will continue to offer Ibrahima our full support and will work with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible wherever possible. 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."

UEFA have extended their support to the Netherlands international and confirmed they will be examining LED advertising boards surrounding the pitch.

The governing body stated: "UEFA has reviewed the circumstances leading to the unfortunate accident suffered by Galatasaray SK player Noa Lang and will be reviewing the pitch-side set up, including LED boards at all upcoming matches to identify any potential comparable risks and ask clubs to take appropriate measures if necessary. We wish Noa Lang a full and swift recovery."