Everton Supporter Arrested for Racist Abuse Toward Semenyo

Semenyo targeted again as Everton fan arrested for racist abuse at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Merseyside Police acted after stewards reported the abuse at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Manchester City also condemned separate racist social media posts directed at Marc Guehi following the match. 

Semenyo has faced racist abuse twice this campaign, including an earlier incident at Anfield. Everton and Manchester City have both condemned the behaviour and reaffirmed zero-tolerance policies...

A 71-year-old man has been released on conditional bail after Merseyside Police responded promptly to allegations of racist abuse aimed at the Ghana international.

Everton confirmed that a fan was detained during Monday night’s 3-3 Premier League draw with Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium following reports of abuse directed at Antoine Semenyo.

Semenyo, who has impressed for Manchester City since his January move from Bournemouth, was on the receiving end of the abuse during an otherwise gripping 3-3 contest.

The arrest came swiftly after stewards and other supporters flagged the incident to police, with action taken before the match ended.

Everton later put out an official statement detailing the incident and the measures that were implemented.

“Merseyside Police arrested a 71-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after supporters and stewards reported the incident. He has since been bailed with conditions, including restrictions preventing him from going within one mile of any designated sports stadium for a period of up to four hours before kick-off, during matches and up to four hours after the final whistle.”

Everton made their stance clear in the statement, strongly condemning the abuse and reiterating the club’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination.

“Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadia, our sport or in society, and behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated.

“A swift response from fellow supporters, stewards and Merseyside Police led to the individual being identified and appropriate action taken. The club will continue to work closely with the authorities to support their investigation and will take the strongest possible action in line with its zero-tolerance approach.”

City Condemn Abuse and Highlight Concerns Over Guehi

Manchester City released a strong statement denouncing the racist abuse directed at Semenyo and also voiced concern over a separate incident involving Marc Guehi, who received multiple racist messages on social media in the hours after the game.

“Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse directed towards Antoine Semenyo at yesterday's match,” the club said.

“We welcome the swift action taken by Everton and the police to identify the individual responsible. We are also incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guehi was subject to a series of vile, racist social media posts last night. We will continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Marc and never accept discrimination of any kind in our game.”

Club statement: Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi

🔗 https://t.co/9cgu90hQNW pic.twitter.com/KW2zUHT93d

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 5, 2026

Taken together, the abuse inside Hill Dickinson Stadium and the racist posts online highlight how deeply racism still runs through English football, despite decades of campaigns, legislation, and repeated public commitments to eradicate it.

Semenyo Targeted Again This Season

What makes Monday’s incident particularly concerning is that it isn’t the first time this campaign Semenyo has faced racist abuse serious enough to lead to an arrest.

The Ghana forward was subjected to similar treatment earlier in the season at Anfield, when a supporter was detained following racist abuse during Bournemouth’s opening-day clash with Liverpool.

Semenyo has responded to both episodes with composure. His performances on the pitch have spoken for him, and they will keep doing so.

The onus to stamp out this behaviour lies with clubs, governing bodies, social media platforms, and the football community as a whole.

Two arrests. Two incidents. One player targeted twice. That can’t become accepted as normal.