The Premier League opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth on Friday stopped midway through the first half after Antoine Semenyo reported racial abuse from an Anfield spectator.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward responded with two goals in 12 minutes after the break, briefly pulling Bournemouth level before Liverpool netted twice late on to win 4-2. Semenyo later shared more abusive messages on Instagram with the caption: “When will it stop?”
Referee Acts After Abuse Report
The incident occurred in the 29th minute during a Liverpool corner when Semenyo alerted referee Anthony Taylor. Taylor halted the game, spoke with both managers, and then called over captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith. Play resumed after a four-minute pause with the score still 0-0.
Bournemouth skipper Adam Smith called the incident “totally unacceptable” and expressed disbelief.
“Kind of in shock it happened in this day and age. I don’t know how Ant has carried on playing and come up with these goals.”
Smith added: “I said to the ref I wanted him removed immediately but the police went and sorted it. The Liverpool players were very supportive to Ant and the rest of the team. Just so angry.”
FA, Clubs, and Officials Respond Strongly
At half-time, Anfield staff delivered an anti-discrimination message to the crowd. The FA commented: “Incidents of this nature have no place in our game, and we will work closely with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure the appropriate action is taken.”
Liverpool released a statement condemning racism: “We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football. The club is unable to comment further as tonight’s alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.”
Head coach Arne Slot said: “We don’t want this in football, we don’t want this happening in stadiums, especially not at Anfield.”
Premier League and Kick It Out Statements
The Premier League confirmed the stoppage followed its anti-discrimination protocol and vowed full support to the player. “Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
Anti-racism group Kick It Out added: “Thirty minutes into the first Premier League game of the season, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is racially abused by someone in the crowd… We stand in solidarity with Antoine and can’t praise him enough for his courage.”
Continuing Challenge of Racism in Football
The incident follows recent racial abuse aimed at Tottenham’s Mathys Tel and England defender Jess Carter. Similar cases targeted Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka after the Euro 2020 final.
Football authorities continue to push for harsher penalties, greater accountability, and stronger education to eradicate racism from stadiums.
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