Mamadou Sakho insists there was no hidden meaning behind his celebration during Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
Sakho was ineligible for the Eagles’ visit to Anfield on Sunday but the Reds loanee took the uncharacteristic step of sitting in the opposition dugout.
He was seen celebrating Christian Benteke’s equalising goal as the one-time Liverpool striker prepared to head in for the half-time interval.
The pair performed a handshake routine on the touchline which angered a large number of supporters as Sakho was accused of disrespecting his parent club.
But the former France international has attempted to clarify the gesture in the game which Jurgen Klopp’s side went on to lose 2-1.
He said: “When Christian scored, I stayed seated as I didn’t want to celebrate [out of] respect for the club to which I belong and the fans.
“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;
“[It was] 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.
“We were very happy, obviously. We need all the points we can get to be sure to stay in the Premier League – that is our mission.
“That is why I accepted the challenge with Palace, and we need to be the best we can as a team to succeed.
“If we were losing 2-0 and Christian reduced the score, we would have also done it if he came to me.
“I still hope Liverpool qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season, and wish them luck.”
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