Mamadou Sakho has issued an apology to Liverpool fans after he was seen leaving Anfield prior to kickoff during yesterday's 1-1 Merseyside derby draw against Everton.

The French international has lost his place in the starting XI following the return to fitness of Martin Skrtel, and was left out of the matchday squad altogether by Brendan Rodgers yesterday.

Pictures begin circulating on social media suggesting that Sakho had exited Anfield before the game yesterday, which was confirmed by the 24-year-old when he apologised to supporters in the evening.

"I really want to apologise to the club, the supporters and every person who felt offended when I left the stadium this afternoon," he said via his official Twitter account.

"I'm aware that it was a bad choice from my part to go isolating to watch the game!"

Sakho arrived at Liverpool for a fee in the region of £18m last summer, but has struggled to nail down a regular place in the team.