Skip to content

Mamadou Sakho insists he did not disrespect Liverpool in Crystal Palace's win at Anfield

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Christian Benteke and Mamadou Sakho celebrate Crystal Palace's equaliser against Liverpool with a game of rock, paper, scissors

Mamadou Sakho has defended celebrating during Crystal Palace's victory over Liverpool, insisting his handshake with Christian Benteke did not disrespect his parent club.

Benteke scored twice on his return to Anfield as Palace came from behind to defeat Liverpool 2-1 and boost their chances of staying in the Premier League.

Sakho was ineligible to play against the Reds as part of the loan agreement that took him to Selhurst Park in January, but still travelled to Merseyside to watch the match.

The France defender received criticism from a section of Liverpool fans after exchanging an elaborate handshake with Benteke after the equaliser and at full-time.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

It's a heavyweight week of action this week on Sky Sports with three huge Premier League games

"When Christian scored, I stayed seated as I didn't want to celebrate by respect for the club to which I belong and the fans," Sakho told the Liverpool Echo.

"But when he came over to me, I stood up and did what we always do as friends, our hand check.

"There was nothing behind it, nothing else to imply by it. Just two friends who are playing for the same team and who have the same goal, which is to get the three points at each game to make sure the team stays in the Premier League.

Also See:

'Palace exposed Reds' weaknesses'
'Palace exposed Reds' weaknesses'

Sam Allardyce says Crystal Palace exposed Liverpool's tactical weaknesses to secure a vital 2-1 win at Anfield

"If we were losing 2-0 and Christian reduced the score, we would have also done it if he came to me."

Sakho was frozen out by Jurgen Klopp last summer after being sent home early from the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

Sky Sports News HQ understands the 26-year-old has no long-term future at Liverpool and the club intend to sell him in the summer.

Sakho, who has just over three years remaining on his current deal, is valued at £30m by Liverpool.

Around Sky