Football world reacts to Loris Karius howlers in Champions League final
TEARS flowed uncontrollably amid devastating scenes that took centre stage in the football world — but the response was all class.
ON Liverpool’s night of tears in the Champions League final, goalkeeper Loris Karius cried long and hard.
But Madrid’s other two goals came from major errors by Karius that verged on the ridiculous.
Gifting Karim Benzema an opening goal in the 51st minute let Madrid take control after Liverpool were better for much of the first half.
Spilling Bale’s long-range shot into the net in the 83rd meant there was no way back for Liverpool at 3-1 down to the two-time defending champion. At the final whistle, Karius put his hands to his head and slumped to his knees in his goalmouth.
No teammate came to console him and he then lay flat out, face to the turf hiding his tears.
“It’s not about him and the mistakes he might have made, it’s about the team. We weren’t good enough on the night,” Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson told British broadcaster BT Sport.
Reds coach Jurgen Klopp said: “What can I say? Loris knows it. Everyone knows it. It’s a shame in a game like this, a season like this, I feel for him. It’s really difficult to get rid of the bad thoughts in his mind.”
Karius was a broken man after the full-time whistle. He sobbed uncontrollably as he made his way over to the Liverpool supporters in the crowd and apologised.
“My mistakes have lost the final. I’m sorry … sorry to everyone,” he said afterwards.
Social media wasn’t so forgiving in the immediate aftermath of his mistake that gifted Benzema Real’s opener, but when the rage died down, there was genuine sympathy for the man whose career will likely be forever tainted with the memory of this match.
Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard joined the chorus of support for Karius after his horrific night.
“Listen, on a human level you feel absolute sadness for him,” Lampard said. “We also have to say there, it’s a horrible, horrible moment for him.
“I’m feeling sorry for him and he needs some big support from his teammates and everyone around him.
“No matter what his future is, football goes a bit to the side there.”
Karius’ forgettable match was summed up in a series of devastating photos.