- Antoine Semenyo was subjected to racial abuse from a Liverpool supporter during Bournemouth’s Premier League opener
- The Ghanaian striker, undeterred by the incident, still managed to score twice in his side’s loss to the defending champions
- The episode has sparked outrage online, with many fans demanding tougher sanctions against offenders
Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has spoken out after being racially abused by a fan during Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool.
The Premier League curtain-raiser was briefly halted in the first half when Semenyo reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor.
The abuse reportedly from a Liverpool fan occurred when the Black Stars striker was effecting a throw-in.
Source: Getty Images
Merseyside Police were called onto the pitch before play resumed, with the forward receiving support from his Bournemouth teammates and Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez, his former colleague at the Cherries.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola also engaged with on-site security following the incident.
Semenyo responded on the pitch by scoring twice in the second half to level the game at 2-2.
Unfortunately, the goals were not enough to save his side from a 4-2 defeat to Liverpool at the end of the contest.
After the match, he posted a screenshot of racist abuse he received on Instagram, writing: “When will it stop?”
Liverpool release statement on alleged Semenyo racist abuse
After full-time at Anfield, Liverpool released a statement regarding the incident on their social media channels.
The statement reads:
“Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth.
“We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football.
“The club is unable to comment further as tonight’s alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.”
Source: YEN.com.gh
