Police probe death threats to Karius
london — Police in Liverpool said they are investigating as a matter of urgency several death threats against goalkeeper Loris Karius following Real Madrid’s stunning 3-1 win in the Champion’s League final in Kiev.
Liverpool’s German keeper was blamed by many fans for failing to block goals, including one which one sports commentator described as a “schoolboy save,” reports Xinhua news agency.
The Liverpool Echo newspaper reported that hundreds of explicit messages, sent on social media, are being looked into by Merseyside Police after the Champions League.
The newspaper said Karius and his family are the subject of disturbing hate messages after mistakes he made during the match against Real Madrid were credited with LFC’s defeat.
Some of the more extreme posts also threatened Karius’ girlfriend and some even said: “I hope you get cancer”.
Merseyside Police, headquartered in Liverpool, confirmed they are looking into the messages as a matter of urgency.
A spokesperson for the police said in a statement that “officers are aware of a number of comments and threats made towards football players via social media.
“The force takes social media posts of this nature extremely seriously and any offences identified will be investigated,” the statement continued.
“Merseyside Police would like to remind social media users that any offences including malicious communications and threatening behaviour will be investigated.”
Karius used several social media messages on Sunday to apologise to his teammates and Liverpool fans. —