Police probe hate campaign against bungling goalkeeper
Liverpool’s Karius gets death threats after his 2 howlers in European final
THE biggest game of his life ended badly enough for blundering Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius as it was.
His shocking errors led to two of Real Madrid’s goals in their 3-1 Champions League final win on Saturday night, and the German goalkeeper made a tearful apology to supporters inside the stadium in Kiev.
But in the hours after the match, the £25,000-aweek goalkeeper had to contend with hundreds of hate-filled messages on social media, including death threats and Nazi taunts.
The abuse became so bad that Merseyside Police confirmed they had launched an investigation.
The heavily tattooed Karius – who was seen in the departure lounge at Manchester Airport last night – gifted Real Madrid the lead when his weak underarm throw rebounded into the net off Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
He later dropped a long-range shot by Madrid’s Welsh winger Gareth Bale into his own net.
Karius, 24, posted a grovelling apology on Twitter yesterday, writing: ‘Haven’t really slept until now... the scenes are still running through my head again and again.
‘I’m infinitely sorry to my teammates, for you fans, and for all the staff. I know that I messed it up with the two mistakes and let you all down. As I said, I’d just like to turn back the time but that’s not possible.’
Last night, a police spokesman said: ‘We can confirm 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.
‘Merseyside Police would like to remind social media users that any offences including malicious communications and threatening behaviour will be investigated.’
Within minutes of the game finishing, there was banter on social media from rival fans, referring to the German as ‘Real’s 12th man’.
Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, a Chelsea fan, tweeted: ‘Oh dear. I think the Liverpool goalkeeper should spend less time at the hairdressers and more time practising goalkeeping.’ But the sarcasm quickly morphed into vile abuse.
One man wrote: ‘Karius, go top yourself, Nazi pony-tailed Instagram model **** .’
There were also threats to harm Karius’s girlfriend – although it is unclear if he is dating anyone. He has recently been linked with a string of women, including lingerie model Ianthe Rose, who has appeared on reality TV show Made in Chelsea. Miss Rose’s family, who live in a £1million house in Twickenham, south-west London, declined to comment.
Karius has also been linked with blonde American model Daniella Grace, an ex-flame of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
In contrast to the abuse he received, many Liverpool fans praised Karius – who was initially comforted by Real Madrid players rather than his own teammates – for staying on the pitch after the match ended and apologising to supporters for his mistakes.
And he also received support from an unlikely source, former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall, who said: ‘I feel sorry for Karius but it’s how you bounce back. I have been there.
‘It’s a dark place to be... I hope he comes through it. Stay strong. Believe in yourself.’
German goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn – who was Karius’s inspiration as a youngster – revealed he fears for the Liverpool man’s career.
He said: ‘I’m lost for words. I can’t remember having experienced something more brutal from a goalkeeping point of view than in this final. An evening like this can destroy a career.’
‘I know that I messed it up’