Palace loanee Sakho insists he still respects Liverpool

Mamadou Sakho believes he was not disrespectful towards parent club Liverpool despite celebrating Crystal Palace’s winner during their 2-1 win at Anfield on Sunday.

The Frenchman, on-loan at Selhurst Park, played no part against the Reds but celebrated Christian Benteke’s winner with a co-ordinated handshake.

Sakho is unlikely to play for Liverpool again after his acrimonious departure in January, and Palace are reportedly keen to make his loan permanent this summer.

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But the 27-year-old says he still remains loyal to the Reds and did not go out of his way to celebrate Benteke’s goal – which has gone a long way to securing Palace’s Premier League survival, while denting Liverpool’s top-four hopes.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“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.”