The Premier League opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth was temporarily halted in the first half after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a member of the crowd.
The incident occurred in the 29th minute as Liverpool prepared to take a corner. Referee Anthony Taylor stopped play, consulted both managers, and then called over team captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith. After a four-minute pause, the match resumed with the score at 0-0.
Semenyo, 25, responded on the pitch by scoring twice in 12 second-half minutes, briefly drawing the Cherries level before Liverpool sealed a 4-2 victory with two late goals.
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith said he was “shocked” by the incident and called for immediate action.
“It’s totally unacceptable,” Smith told Sky Sports. “I don’t know how Ant kept playing and scored those goals. Taking a knee hasn’t had the effect we hoped for — something needs to be done. The police dealt with the situation, but it’s so frustrating. The whole country is watching and it’s shocking.”
At half-time, an anti-discrimination announcement was made to the crowd.
Official Responses
The FA released a statement expressing concern over the allegation and confirmed they would work with match officials, both clubs, and relevant authorities to establish the facts and take appropriate action.
Liverpool issued their own statement condemning racism and discrimination “in all forms” and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
Reds head coach Arne Slot said:
“We don’t want this in football or in our stadiums, especially not at Anfield. It takes the shine off the game, particularly on a night when our fans paid such beautiful tributes to Diogo Jota.”
The Premier League confirmed the incident triggered its on-field anti-discrimination protocol and vowed to support the player and both clubs.
Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out voiced solidarity with Semenyo, calling the episode “a stark reminder” of the abuse Black players continue to face. They also praised Semenyo’s courage in reporting the incident and Anthony Taylor’s quick response.
Broader Context
This comes just days after Tottenham’s Mathys Tel was subjected to racist abuse online following a Super Cup penalty miss, and weeks after England defender Jess Carter faced racist abuse during Euro 2025. High-profile cases have also included Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka, who were targeted following England’s Euro 2020 final defeat.
