Police have launched a hate crime investigation after a 47-year-old fan was ejected from Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium for allegedly racially abusing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during Friday’s Premier League season opener.
The incident occurred in the first half when Semenyo, who is Black, reported the abuse to referee Anthony Taylor with the score at 0-0. Play was briefly stopped while Taylor consulted with coaches and team captains.
“Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form,” said Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, match commander. The fan’s identity was confirmed, and he was removed from the stadium. Chatterton added that authorities would seek football banning orders against those responsible.
Semenyo, who scored both of Bournemouth’s goals in the 4-2 loss, later shared further racial abuse he received online, writing on Instagram, “When will it stop.”
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Bournemouth players consoled Semenyo, and an anti-discrimination message was read to the crowd at halftime. The Premier League said it would investigate the matter and offer full support to the player and both clubs.
Liverpool FC said it condemned “racism and discrimination in all forms” and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
Source: Agency