- Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo was subjected to racial abuse during the opening fixture of the new Premier League season
- The 25-year-old rose above the incident to record a memorable milestone at Anfield on Friday evening
- The offending Liverpool supporter was identified and removed from the stadium before the final whistle of the Liverpool vs Bournemouth clash
Antoine Semenyo endured a harrowing moment on what should have been an exciting opening day of the 2025–26 Premier League season on Friday, August 15.
Instead of the focus being on football, the Ghanaian forward became the victim of racial abuse during AFC Bournemouth’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
Source: Getty Images
Semenyo endures racial abuse
The evening had started on a solemn note as tributes were paid to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who both tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Spain last month.
The ceremony set a deeply emotional tone, but what unfolded shortly after left the stadium stunned.
Midway through the first half, play came to a halt when Semenyo reported being racially abused by a supporter in the crowd.
Source: Getty Images
Referee Anthony Taylor immediately stopped the game, consulting both managers, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, before briefing captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith.
A man in a wheelchair, believed to be the offender, was escorted out of the stadium at half-time by three police officers.
According to Sky Sports, the individual’s identity has been confirmed, and an investigation is already underway.
Semenyo overcomes abuse, scores twice but Bournemouth lose
Despite the distressing incident, Semenyo showed remarkable strength of character.
The Ghanaian not only continued playing but went on to score twice in the second half.
His brace nearly earned Bournemouth an unlikely point, with the game level until late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah sealed a 4–2 win for the defending champions.
Semenyo’s abuser to face ban and arrest
After the game, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett commended referee Anthony Taylor for handling the situation swiftly and decisively while also revealing what will happen to the offender. Hackett told Football Insider:
“I suggest that this incident will be investigated, and I applaud how efficiently it was dealt with by the match officials.
“Referee Anthony Taylor informed both managers and also the ground controller [when the incident happened]. It appears to be clear who the offender was.”
“This should result in a ban from the stadium and possible further action by the police. If the offender is identified, he should be dealt with by the police and arrested.”
Semenyo also took to Instagram to express his disgust with the incident and another abuse he received online.
He captioned the post with a painful question: “When will it stop?”
Semenyo writes his name in history books
In a related publication, YEN.com.gh spotlighted Antoine Semenyo’s remarkable milestone during Bournemouth’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.
His brace at Anfield etched his name in history as the first Bournemouth player to score twice on an opening day in their nine seasons at the top level.
Source: YEN.com.gh
