Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate chose not to mock Bukayo Saka’s injury, despite social media users suggesting it was “karma” for an Arsenal fan who had wished harm on the Frenchman earlier in the season.
Konate, who has been sidelined since picking up an injury in November during a Champions League win over Real Madrid, has missed several matches, including a crucial victory over Manchester City.
Without him, Liverpool has conceded eight goals in four games.
The incident sparked controversy when, after Konaté’s injury, an Arsenal fan posted on social media: “Rivalry aside, I hope Konate’s injury is serious.”
When Saka was forced off with an injury in Arsenal’s match against Crystal Palace on Sunday, a Liverpool fan responded with: “Karma is a b***h.”
However, Konate took the high road.
Ahead of Liverpool’s match against Tottenham, he responded: “We are not like them… we wish no harm, anyway, In Sha Allah big 3 points today.”
Liverpool did indeed secure all three points with a dramatic 6-3 win.
Konate’s response was widely praised.
One fan commented, “Bless your parents for raising you like this, my bro,” while another called him “Class as always.”
Against Spurs, Joe Gomez partnered Virgil van Dijk in defence, and despite the high-scoring nature of the match, Tottenham was limited to just five shots on target.
James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke’s impressive finishes helped make the scoreline more respectable.
The victory pushed Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to four points, after Chelsea’s draw at Everton earlier in the day.
Liverpool also has a game in hand due to the postponement of their match with Everton in early December.
Up next, they face struggling Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day, followed by a trip to West Ham on December 29.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has not provided a specific return date for Ibrahima Konate but confirmed earlier this month that neither he nor right-back Conor Bradley had resumed training.
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