A dark cloud hung over AFC Bournemouth’s opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League season after Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo was subjected to racist abuse from the stands at Anfield.
The 25-year-old, who was one of Bournemouth’s standout performers last season, found himself at the centre of an ugly moment in the first half against Liverpool.
Antoine Semenyo endures racial abuse
Around the 30-minute mark, Semenyo stepped up to take a throw-in on the touchline.
Suddenly, he appeared to react to a comment from a Liverpool supporter seated nearby.
Watch the video:
He immediately alerted referee Anthony Taylor, prompting a brief pause in the match.
Both managers, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Liverpool’s Arne Slot, joined Taylor in a short discussion on the sidelines.
According to UK broadcaster Sky Sports via The Athletic, the forward was targeted with a racist remark from the crowd.
The stadium announcer later confirmed the situation over the PA system.
Sky commentator Peter Drury relayed the information on air, saying:
“I am told via the Premier League Match Centre that Antoine Semenyo was the subject of a racist comment from the crowd. It was Semenyo himself who brought attention to it.”
At the time of reporting, details about the perpetrator remain unclear.
The incident quickly spread online, with football fans across the globe condemning the behaviour. Here’s how some reacted on X:
@Skrill23_y fumed:
“New season, same story. There honestly have to be serious repercussions for things like this. Just unacceptable.”
@EdmundOris wrote:
“Racism in 2025 is disgraceful.”
@Aubrey_Senyolo slammed:
“It’s absolutely disgusting by the fan. He must be banned forever. Sorry, Antoine Semenyo, good call by Anthony Taylor.”
@blockxs did not mince words:
“Time to retire that fan.”
@Roseangel009 summed up:
“What a shame! 🤦🏽”
Hugo Ekitike scores first goal of 2025/26 Premier League season
Once play restarted, Liverpool wasted little time regaining momentum. Seven minutes later, new signing Hugo Ekitike broke the deadlock.
The French forward latched onto a precise through ball from Alexis Mac Allister, tried to weave past a defender, and benefitted from a lucky deflection before calmly slotting the ball past Djordje Petrovic.
Source: YEN.com.gh
