Merseyside Police have confirmed the arrest of a man after Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused during Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday.
The game was paused in the 29th minute when Semenyo raised the issue with referee Anthony Taylor, who in turn consulted both managers.
Source: Getty Images
Play resumed shortly after the incident, but Bournemouth eventually fell to defeat despite a spirited fightback.
Semenyo was the standout performer for the visitors, scoring twice to draw them level before late strikes from Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa sealed the win for Liverpool.
Semenyo releases statement after suffering racial abuse
After the game, in which Semenyo netted twice, Ghana international Antoine Semenyo issued a statement expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together,” Semenyo wrote.
“To my Bournemouth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League officials who handled it professionally – thank you.
“Football showed its best side when it mattered most … we keep moving forward, together.”
Source: Getty Images
Police make arrest after Antoine Semenyo reports
Merseyside Police confirmed that a Liverpool fan was removed from Anfield during the game.
In an update on Saturday afternoon, the force announced that a 47-year-old man from Liverpool had been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
“We have arrested a man following reports racist abuse was directed towards Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during his team’s Premier League fixture versus Liverpool at Anfield on Friday 15 August,” the statement read.
“The suspect’s identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground following the report.
“A 47-year-old man from Liverpool has today (Saturday 16 August) been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has been taken into custody to be interviewed.
“To report a hate crime contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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.”
Eyewitness on how Semenyo was abused
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that an eyewitness detailed how the shocking racial abuse against Antoine Semenyo played out at Anfield.
The offender, a veteran Liverpool supporter, is now braced for severe sanctions over his appalling conduct.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
