The Premier League’s first game of the season was marred by an incident of racist abuse directed at Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo during the match against Liverpool at Anfield. Play was halted in the 28th minute after Semenyo reported the abuse, with referee Anthony Taylor speaking to both managers, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, before the game resumed. Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man was identified and ejected from the stadium following the allegation. “Police said an investigation is underway after the man’s identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground,” the force stated. The reaction on the pitch and in the dugout was one of disappointment and frustration. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith called the incident “unacceptable,” while head coach Iraola said, “It’s a big shame, most of the news will be about this thing. Obviously, it is something that is still a big problem, not just in football. From the Liverpool side, they have identified this person,” as quoted by Sky Sports.
Referee Anthony Taylor in discussion with Liverpool players and manager Arne Slot after Bournemouth plater Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse from the crowd (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The Premier League confirmed the case will be taken further under its anti-discrimination protocol. “Tonight’s match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo,” it said in a statement. “The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society.”
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Liverpool are expected to impose strict sanctions once investigations are complete. Clubs in the past have banned offenders for racial abuse, and a similar punishment could be enforced in this case.Clips on social media show a fan in a wheelchair engaged in a heated conversation with Semenyo as he came towards the touchline to take a throw-in. There is yet to be official communication on whether it was the man in question that was guilty of making racist abuse. Clips of the same have gone viral on social media.
