Liverpool Fan Arrested for Racial Abuse of Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo showed remarkable resilience, scoring two goals after reporting the incident to referee Anthony Taylor, who temporarily halted the match.
“To my Bournemouth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character...”
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo expressed gratitude to his teammates, Liverpool players and fans, and match officials for their support after he reported racist abuse during the Premier League season opener at Anfield. A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of committing a racially aggravated offense and has been taken into custody for questioning.
The incident occurred in the 30th minute of the match, prompting referee Anthony Taylor to halt play and address the issue. Taylor spoke with both team managers, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, and captains before the game resumed. An anti-discrimination message was delivered to the crowd, and the Premier League has launched a full investigation into the incident.
A great player but above all, a great human being.
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 15, 2025
Only a strong character shows such resilience in those circumstances.
We love you and are all with you, Antoine ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PNLxdLOeTx
Despite the disturbing incident, Semenyo responded with two goals, including an impressive solo breakaway that leveled the score. Although Bournemouth ultimately lost 4-2 to Liverpool, Semenyo's performance showcased his determination. He took to Instagram to thank those who supported him, saying, “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.”
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man from Liverpool was removed from Anfield after being identified as the suspect in the racist abuse case involving Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The man was later arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense and taken into custody for questioning. According to Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, “Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form.” Liverpool FC also condemned the alleged abuse, stating they will work with authorities to seek football banning orders against the individual responsiblem
He continued, “To my Bournemouth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League officials who handled it professionally - thank you.
“Football showed its best side when it mattered most.”
Antoine Semenyo's dramatic turnaround in the second half saw Bournemouth level the score at 2-2, but Liverpool's late goals sealed a 4-2 win. After falling behind 2-0, Semenyo scored twice in the second half, showcasing his skill and determination. Despite his efforts, Bournemouth couldn't hold on, and Liverpool's late goals secured the win.
“Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch,” Semenyo added. “This is why I play - for moments like these, for my teammates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.
“The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together.”
Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola expressed disappointment over the racist abuse directed at Antoine Semenyo, stating, “It's a big shame that these things keep happening.” The incident occurred during Bournemouth's match against Liverpool at Anfield, where Semenyo was targeted by a supporter in the crowd.
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith was left stunned by the abuse, saying, “Totally unacceptable, kind of in shock it happened in this day and age. I don't know how Ant has carried on playing and come up with these goals.” Despite the disturbing incident, Semenyo showed remarkable resilience, scoring two goals in the second half to level the score at 2-2, although Liverpool ultimately won 4-2.
Semenyo later thanked his teammates, Liverpool players, and fans for their support, saying, “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.” Merseyside Police have taken the incident seriously, confirming that the suspect has been removed from the stadium and arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense. The police are working with the club to seek football banning orders against the individual responsible.
“He's a little bit down - something needs to be done. Taking a knee has taken no effect. We've supported him and hopefully he'll be OK.
“I wanted him to react (after scoring), that's what I'd have done. I'd have gone straight over there. It shows what kind of man he is to report it to the ref and carry on. Fair play to Ant.”
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.
— Antoine Semenyo (@semenyo924) August 16, 2025
To my @afcbournemouth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the @LiverpoolFC players and fans who showed their true… pic.twitter.com/6sNyv3vROK
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo faced racial abuse not only at Anfield but also online after the match. He shared a distressing screenshot of a comment on his profile featuring monkey emojis, expressing his frustration with the words, “When will it stop.” Despite the abuse, Semenyo showed remarkable resilience, scoring two goals in the game and thanking his teammates, Liverpool players, and fans for their support.
He appreciated the professional handling of the incident by the Premier League officials and the overwhelming support from fans.
The 47-year-old man who allegedly abused Semenyo was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense and taken into custody. Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest, emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy towards hate crimes. Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola condemned the incident, stating, “It's a big shame that these things keep happening.” Semenyo's teammates also rallied around him, with captain Adam Smith expressing shock and admiration for Semenyo's composur
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