Antoine Semenyo: Man Accused of Racially Abusing Footballer Bailed and Banned from All Stadiums
A 47-year-old man from Liverpool has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during Friday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield. As part of his bail conditions, the man — who has not been named — has been banned from attending any regulated football match in the UK and from going within one mile of any designated football stadium. Incident at Anfield The alleged abuse occurred during the first half of the fixture. Semenyo lodged a complaint, prompting the referee to pause the game briefly and speak with both managers. An anti-discrimination message was also broadcast inside the stadium. Merseyside Police officers were understood to have entered the referee’s room at half-time as part of their investigation. Despite the incident, Semenyo went on to have a strong performance, scoring twice in the second half to help Bournemouth recover from two goals down, though Liverpool ultimately won the game 4–2. Semenyo’s reaction Following the match, the 24-year-old Ghanaian international described the outpouring of support he had received as “overwhelming.” “It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this sport and the unity it can create,” he said in a statement, thanking fans, teammates, and the wider football community. Wider context The abuse aimed at Semenyo came just two days after Tottenham Hotspur’s Mathys Tel was subjected to online racist attacks following his missed penalty against Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League qualifier. The incidents have reignited concerns over racism in football, both in stadiums and across digital platforms, and sparked renewed calls for tougher punishments for offenders. The investigation into the alleged racial abuse of Semenyo is ongoing.