Benteke handshake no disrespect to Liverpool – Sakho

Crystal Palace centre-back Mamadou Sakho has defended his controversial handshake with fellow Liverpool castaway Christian Benteke.

Palace surprised the Anfield outfit on Sunday with a 2-1 defeat of Jurgen Klopp’s side thanks to a brace from former Reds big-money signing Benteke, the first of which was followed by an elaborate greeting between him and Sakho.

Benteke and the on-loan Sakho, who was ineligible to play against his parent club, staged an encore performance at the conclusion of the match, causing some to interpret the move as a message to Klopp.

However, the France international explained on Monday there was no ulterior motive involved, and stated his respect for the club.

“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,” Sakho told The Echo.

“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.”