Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho insists he didn't mean to disrespect Liverpool with celebration

Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho says he meant no offence his parent club Liverpool by celebrating both of Christian Benteke’s goals in his side’s 2-1 win at Anfield.

Sakho joined Palace on a short-term loan deal in January after finding himself frozen out by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp following a pre-season tour of the USA.

The France international was unavailable to Sam Allardyce on Sunday but Palace continued their fine run of form even without their defensive lynchpin as former Liverpool striker Benteke netted twice after Philippe Coutinho had given the hosts the lead.

Benteke was pictured sharing an elaborate celebration-cum-handshake with Sakho after his equaliser but the Liverpool loanee said he had no intention of enraging the Anfield support with his show of support for his Palace team-mate.

“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 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.”

Palace are keen to keep Sakho at Selhurst Park beyond the end of the season but the France international said earlier this month he would be happy to return to Anfield if Klopp wanted him back.