FIFA's Players' Voice Panel to Support Antoine Semenyo After Racist Abuse

Antoine Semenyo scores twice despite racist abuse in Premier League opener

FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly condemns racist abuse directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during Premier League match against Liverpool, assuring support for the player.

“If you are found to be using discriminatory language inside a football ground, you will be ejected...”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during their Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield. The incident, which led to a brief stoppage in play, has sparked widespread outrage across the football community. Infantino emphasized that football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination.

Key Points from Infantino's Statement:

Condemnation of Racism: Infantino unequivocally condemned the racist abuse, stating it's “absolutely unacceptable.”

Support for Semenyo: FIFA, along with The Players' Voice Panel, stands firmly with Antoine Semenyo, offering support and working to prevent such incidents.

Collaboration with Authorities: FIFA will collaborate with the Premier League, The FA, and law enforcement to ensure strong deterrents are in place to eradicate racism from the game.

Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever - not because of one person's words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.

To my @afcbournemouth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the @LiverpoolFC players and fans who showed their true… pic.twitter.com/6sNyv3vROK

— Antoine Semenyo (@semenyo924) August 16, 2025

Semenyo, who scored twice in the match despite the distressing episode, expressed gratitude for the support from teammates, Liverpool players, and fans. He praised the professionalism of Premier League officials in handling the incident. The 47-year-old man who allegedly made the racist comment was ejected from Anfield, and Merseyside Police are investigating the incident.

Semenyo's Response:

• Scoring Goals: Semenyo stated that scoring goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch.

• Appreciation for Support: He thanked his teammates, Liverpool players, and fans for their support, highlighting football's unity in response to the abuse.

• Moving Forward: Semenyo emphasized the importance of moving forward together, citing the overwhelming messages of support from the football world.

A 47-year-old man was ejected from Anfield Stadium after allegedly making racist comments towards Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during their Premier League match against Liverpool. Merseyside Police later confirmed the suspect's arrest on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense. The individual, from Liverpool, was taken into custody for further questioning.

Semenyo, who scored twice in the match, thanked his teammates, Liverpool, match officials, and the entire football community for their support. Despite the distressing incident, he praised the professionalism of Premier League officials in handling the situation.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the racist abuse, stating: “Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination – Antoine's courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide.” Infantino assured Semenyo of FIFA's support, emphasizing that the organization, along with The Players' Voice Panel, will work to prevent such incidents and ensure players are respected and protected.

Key Developments:

Arrests and Investigations: Merseyside Police arrested a 47-year-old man in connection with the racist abuse.

FIFA's Support: FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incident and pledged support for Semenyo.

Semenyo's Response: Semenyo scored twice despite the incident and thanked the football community for their support.

“The Players' Voice Panel, established as part of the five pillars against racism adopted by FIFA Congress in 2024, will be in touch with Antoine and is monitoring these situations closely.

“We are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organisers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action.”

Antoine Semenyo revealed he faced racial abuse online after Bournemouth's match against Liverpool. This incident follows the racist abuse he suffered during the game at Anfield, where a 47-year-old man was ejected and later arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has warned that anyone found guilty of racist abuse will face severe consequences, including stadium bans and potential prosecution. Masters emphasized that no Premier League player should have to endure such abuse, stating, “If you are found to be using discriminatory language inside a football ground, you will be ejected, second you will be banned and third you may face criminal charges.”

Semenyo thanked his teammates, Liverpool players and fans, match officials, and the entire football community for their support. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the abuse, assuring Semenyo of FIFA's support. The Players' Voice Panel will be in touch with Semenyo to offer assistance.

Key Developments:

• Arrests and Investigations: A 47-year-old man was arrested in connection with the racist abuse at Anfield.

• FIFA's Support: FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incident and pledged support for Semenyo.

• Premier League's Stance: Richard Masters warned of severe consequences for racist abuse, emphasizing the league's commitment to protecting players.