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May 28, 2018

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Sympathy for Karius but future in question

LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Loris Karius has received plenty of sympathy and support following his horrendous errors in his team’s UEFA Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid but his future as first choice at Anfield is surely now in doubt.

The 24-year-old German was a miserable sight at the end of the game when he collapsed to the ground and lay face down in the grass, motionless while Real players celebrated their title.

Tears flowed down his face as, after receiving some consolation, he joined his teammates in front of the Liverpool supporters and held out his hands in apology.

Karius had gifted Real the lead in the 51st minute when he inexplicably threw the ball straight to Real forward Karim Benzema, who stretched out his leg and knocked it into the unguarded goal.

Then, with the score at 2-1 to Real, Karius let a long-range effort from substitute Gareth Bale through his hands as the Spanish side made sure of the win.

There was no debate over whether the ‘keeper was to blame for those two goals but plenty of empathy for a young man whose worst moments came in his biggest game.

Former Everton and Wales international goalkeeper Neville Southall took to Twitter to express his support.

“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. Goalkeepers Union.”

There were also supportive words from former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who praised him for his gesture to the supporters but acknowledged he now faces a challenging period.

“There’s no getting away from it. He is in for a tough few months. He’s in for a tough summer.”




 

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