Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo received racist abuse from a Liverpool fan during the Premier League opener at Anfield on August 15, 2025.
The incident occurred in the 28th minute when Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in near the Main Stand.
He reported the abuse to referee Anthony Taylor, who promptly paused the game to consult with both team managers, Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
The match was temporarily halted, and an anti-discrimination message was read out to the crowd inside Anfield after the halftime whistle.
The match was temporarily halted, and an anti-discrimination message was read out to the crowd inside Anfield after the halftime whistle.
The Liverpool fan responsible for the abuse was swiftly ejected from Anfield and escorted out by Merseyside Police.
Liverpool FC released an official statement condemning the abuse, stating, “We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football.”
Despite the distressing incident, Semenyo showed remarkable composure and determination, scoring two goals for Bournemouth in the match.
His performance was a testament to his strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Premier League has launched a full investigation into the incident, reaffirming its commitment to tackling racism and ensuring stadiums are inclusive and welcoming environments for all.
The league’s ‘No Room For Racism’ campaign emphasizes education, player support, and inclusivity.
Source:3news.com