The Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield was temporarily halted on Friday after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator. The incident occurred in the 28th minute of the match, with the score at 0-0, as Liverpool prepared to take a corner. Referee Anthony Taylor was seen speaking with Semenyo, who is Black, before he approached the sideline to confer with Liverpool's coach Arne Slot, Bournemouth's coach Andoni Iraola, and the team captains. Play resumed approximately two minutes later.
The Premier League has confirmed that Semenyo's report of racist abuse was the reason for the stoppage. Bournemouth's players rallied around Semenyo, who played the entire game and scored both of his team's goals in a 4-2 defeat. After the halftime whistle, an anti-discrimination message was broadcast to the crowd at Anfield.
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith expressed his shock and admiration for Semenyo, a 25-year-old Ghana international. "I don't know how Ant's played on, to be honest, and come up with those goals," Smith said. "It's totally unacceptable, and I just feel sorry for Ant. He's a little bit down, obviously". Smith also stated he asked the referee to remove the responsible individual from the stadium. However, he was informed that the police would handle the matter. Smith noted the Liverpool players were supportive of Semenyo and the rest of the Bournemouth team and believed the situation was handled appropriately.
Bournemouth's head coach, Andoni Iraola, said Semenyo was upset after the game but praised the Ghana international for maintaining his composure and scoring two goals. "It's a shame that in the first game of the Premier League season, with two teams playing a really good game, we have to be talking about something that should be in the past but is not in the past," said Iraola. "It is something that is still a big problem. Antoine was calm in the heat of the moment. We asked him if he could continue, and he was composed, but he is asking why these things are happening today? It is a shame".
Liverpool's head coach, Arne Slot, was upset that the incident detracted from tributes to Diogo Jota. Slot consoled Semenyo after Liverpool's victory. Liverpool released a statement condemning racism and discrimination and confirmed their support for the police investigation.
The Football Association stated they were "very concerned about the allegation of discrimination from an area of the crowd". "Incidents of this nature have no place in our game," the FA added, "and we will work closely with the match officials, the clubs, and the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure the appropriate action is taken".
The Premier League has stated that they will investigate the incident and offer their full support to Semenyo and both clubs. "Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society," the league stated.
Merseyside Police are currently investigating the alleged racist abuse. According to reports, a man in a wheelchair was escorted out of the stadium at halftime by three police officers.
