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A Liverpool man has denied racially abusing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during a Premier League football match at Anfield.
Mark Mogan, 47, of Templehill Close in Dovecot, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, December 22) and pleaded not guilty to an offence of racially aggravated disorderly behaviour against the footballer.
Mogan spoke only to confirm his name and address and enter his plea. The court heard that Mogan’s trial is expected to take place on April 22 next year, with Semenyo expected to attend the proceedings.
Mogan was released on bail on condition that he does not contact Semenyo directly or indirectly, or make reference to him on social media. He was also banned from attending any regulated football grounds as part of his bail conditions.
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Merseyside Police said that the incident is alleged to have occurred during the Liverpool match against Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday, August 15.
Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator during the fixture and referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute. A man was ejected from the stadium.
In a statement shortly after the fixture in August, a spokesperson for Liverpool Football Club said: “Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth.
“We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football. The club is unable to comment further as tonight’s alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.”
A spokesperson for the Football Association said: "Incidents of this nature have no place in our game, and we will work closely with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure the appropriate action is taken."
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