Antoine Semenyo’s Premier League season opener was a night of courage, resilience, and brilliance rolled into one.
The Ghanaian forward overcame racial abuse at Anfield to deliver a performance that left fans and pundits, including Rio Ferdinand, in awe.
Source: Getty Images
Semenyo stars against Liverpool despite racial abuse
Having committed his future to AFC Bournemouth with a long-term deal, Semenyo entered the new campaign carrying the hopes of his club. Expectations were heavy, yet he embraced the spotlight.
Bournemouth found themselves two goals down just past the hour mark, but the 25-year-old lit up the contest.
He first pounced from close range to cut the deficit, igniting belief among his teammates.
Moments later, he produced a dazzling solo run, gliding past defenders before drilling the ball low into the corner.
Though Bournemouth’s fightback was eventually undone by late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah in Liverpool’s 4-2 victory, Semenyo’s display was the highlight of the evening, per the BBC.
Before his name even appeared on the scoresheet, Semenyo endured an appalling moment.
While preparing to take a throw-in around the half-hour mark, a Liverpool supporter in a wheelchair directed racial abuse at him.
Semenyo immediately alerted referee Anthony Taylor, who stopped play during a Liverpool corner to address the matter with both managers on the sidelines.
According to Merseyside Police, a 47-year-old man was identified and escorted out of Anfield. Authorities have since confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
Rio Ferdinand leads praise for Semenyo
Despite the hostility, Semenyo’s performance stole the headlines.
His resilience and quality caught the eye of Rio Ferdinand, who has long been vocal in the fight against racism.
The Manchester United legend took to X (formerly Twitter), simply writing: “Semenyo, wow.”
His remark drew a flood of reactions from football fans, many celebrating the Ghanaian’s heroics and even suggesting moves for him.
@MurphyReal hailed:
“What a player bro..👌👌😤😤”
@frimpong_j24407 pleaded with Ferdinand:
“He is a proud Ghanaian. Chale, tell Man U to buy him wai I beg of you paaaa.”
@bun_muhammad joked:
“Can we go for semenyo 😂 United.”
The evening proved that Semenyo is far more than a talented striker. He showed grit, class, and composure under immense pressure.
For Bournemouth, he remains the beacon of hope for the season ahead. For Ghana, he continues to represent resilience on the global stage.
The man who abused Semenyo is to face arrest
In a related report, YEN.com.gh revealed that the 47-year-old supporter who racially abused Antoine Semenyo during Liverpool’s clash with Bournemouth at Anfield is facing arrest and a stadium ban.
He was spotted making offensive gestures towards the Ghanaian forward and was swiftly escorted out before the final whistle.
Source: YEN.com.gh
