KARIUS SHOCK
LORIS KARIUS suffered concussion during his error-strewn performance in Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid, it was confirmed last night. The goalkeeper, left, endured a nightmare evening when he was at fault for the first and last goals in the 3-1 loss in Kiev. But moments before the first of those errors, the German was floored at a corner by Real defender Sergio Ramos, who had already been involved in a challenge that led to Mohamed Salah being forced off injured.
Late last week – five days after the match – worried Liverpool medics
sent Karius for tests. The German was already on holiday in the United States, having flown out of England the day after returning from the final.
He flew on to Boston where he was seen by specialist Dr Ross Zafonte at Massachusetts General Hospital.
“After reviewing game film and integrating a detailed history, physical examination and objective metrics, we concluded that Mr Karius sustained a concussion during the match,” said Dr Zafonte.
“Mr Karius’s principal residual symptoms and objective signs suggested that visual spatial dysfunction existed and likely occurred immediately following the event. It could be possible that such deficits would affect performance.”
Minutes after being felled by Ramos, the 24-year-old gifted Real the lead when he rolled the ball against the foot of Karim Benzema before allowing a long-range Gareth Bale shot to fly through his hands.
Liverpool have been fined €20,000 (£17,567) by UEFA for disturbances at the Champions League quarter-final first leg with Manchester City in April, including an attack on City’s team bus.
Liverpool were also fined €9,000 (£7,900) for setting off fireworks in the second leg with City and in the semi-final tie in Rome.