Semenyo Racially Abused During Liverpool-Bournemouth Clash as Play Halted at Anfield

Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth was briefly halted on Friday after Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by someone in the Anfield crowd, Sport360NG reports.

The incident occurred in the 29th minute, with the score still goalless, when Semenyo alerted referee Anthony Taylor during a Liverpool corner. Play was paused as Taylor spoke with both managers and captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith, before resuming four minutes later.

Semenyo, 25, responded on the pitch by scoring twice in 12 second-half minutes to bring Bournemouth level, although the defending champions struck late to seal a 4-2 victory.

After the match, the Ghana international shared further racist messages he had received on Instagram, captioning the post: “When will it stop?”

Bournemouth captain Smith admitted he was “shocked” the incident had taken place.

“Totally unacceptable,” he told Sky Sports. “I don’t know how Ant carried on playing and scored those goals. He’s a bit down, something needs to be done. Taking a knee hasn’t had the effect we hoped. Fair play to him for reporting it and keeping going.”

Smith said he had asked for the individual to be removed immediately and praised Liverpool’s players for supporting Semenyo. “We’ve spoken with the Premier League about this before, but I just feel sorry for Ant. The whole country is watching, it’s shocking.”

An anti-discrimination announcement was made to the crowd at half-time.

The Football Association said it was “very concerned” by the allegation and would work with officials, the clubs and authorities to “establish the facts and ensure the appropriate action is taken.”

Liverpool confirmed they were aware of the claim, adding:

“We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms. It has no place in society or football. The alleged incident is now the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.”

Reds head coach Arne Slot said the matter “takes the shine off” the match:

“We don’t want this in football, certainly not at Anfield. It’s something we should keep talking about because it cannot happen here.”

The Premier League confirmed the game had been paused under its on-field anti-discrimination protocol and pledged full support to the player and both clubs.

Campaign group Kick It Out said they stood “in solidarity” with Semenyo, describing the incident as a “stark reminder” of the racism black players continue to face. They also commended referee Anthony Taylor and his team for their swift action.

The episode follows other recent cases, including racist abuse directed at Tottenham’s Mathys Tel on social media earlier this week, as well as previous high-profile incidents targeting England players Jess Carter, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.