Loris Karius has hit out at those who “take joy in seeing other people fail” after facing yet more criticism for another goalkeeping error.
The 25-year-old was at fault for the final goal in Liverpool’s 3-1 friendly defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Sunday night, parrying Christian Pulisic’s late shot into the path of scorer Jacob Bruun Larsen.
Karius narrowly avoided conceding from a separate error in the first half. Dortmund’s Maximilian Philipp failed to convert from long range after intercepting the goalkeeper’s botched attempt at a clearance.
Karius, a £4.7m signing from Mainz in 2016, has come under great scrutiny since a pair of costly mistakes in May’s Champions League final and last week, he lost his status as Jurgen Klopp’s No 1 to new arrival Alisson.
After the final whistle in Charlotte on Sunday, Karius took to Instagram to defend himself from the criticism he has faced throughout the summer.
“To those who take joy in seeing other people fail or suffer, I feel for you,” he wrote. “Whatever it is that’s happening in your life to hold this much anger and hate, I pray that it passes and good things come to you.”
Karius received a message of support from Iker Casillas, the Porto goalkeeper, who also hit out at critics on social media.
“Will this attack on [Karius] ever end? I’m talking about him like so many other goalkeepers,” the former Real Madrid and Spain No 1 tweeted.
“There are many more serious problems in the world, f***! Leave the kid alone! He’s also a person. As we all are!”
