Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has vowed to clamp down on accounts that targeted Antoine Semenyo with racist messages after Bournemouth’s Premier League opener at Anfield.
The move comes in response to a wave of abuse directed at the Ghanaian striker on Friday night, compounding an already ugly episode that unfolded inside the stadium.
Source: Getty Images
Meta to take action after racial abuse towards Semenyo
Just before the half-hour mark, a 47-year-old Liverpool supporter was spotted making offensive gestures at Semenyo.
The striker immediately drew the attention of referee Anthony Taylor, who briefly paused the game while discussing the matter with coaches Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola.
Police later confirmed that the fan’s identity had been established and that he was removed from the ground after initial resistance.
An investigation is now underway, with both clubs assisting the authorities.
As if the ordeal on the pitch wasn’t enough, Semenyo was hit with another wave of abuse on Instagram moments after the game.
He responded by sharing some of the vile messages on his story, painfully asking, “When will it stop?”
Meta confirmed to Sky Sports News that it is actively investigating, removing offensive comments, and disabling accounts responsible for the abuse.
Semenyo scores twice, but Bournemouth fall to Liverpool
Despite everything, Semenyo showed remarkable mental strength.
The 25-year-old struck twice to drag Bournemouth back into the game after early goals from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo had put Liverpool ahead.
His efforts gave the Cherries hope, but late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah sealed a 4-2 victory for the Reds, leaving Semenyo’s brilliance overshadowed by the night’s ugliness.
Liverpool quickly issued a statement condemning racism in all forms and pledged their full support to the ongoing investigation.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola also addressed the matter with a mixture of frustration and admiration for his player.
“It’s a shame that the first game of the Premier League, we have to start talking about things we have conceded in the past. Clearly, it is not in the past because we have to continue to reinforce the messages.
“Antoine was calm, he continued playing. We asked him, he was fine to continue; he looked composed. Unfortunately, the head always goes to these things, and he’s for sure asking, ‘Why are these things still happening today?’ It’s a big shame.”
Source: YEN.com.gh
