Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo was targeted by an alleged racist comment during the first half of Friday's opening Premier League game against Liverpool, leading to a stoppage in play.
The game was stopped in the 28th minute after Semenyo reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor. The assistant referee also joined the discussion. The alleged racist comment aimed at Semenyo came from a fan seated in the crowd at Anfield.
Two police officers were also on the touchline, and both head coaches spoke to Taylor following the reported incident. The game was then restarted, and new signing Hugo Ekitike put Liverpool 1-0 up in the first half following a through ball by Alexis Mac Allister.
The reported racial incident overshadowed an emotional opening game at Anfield. Fans of both teams paid tribute to former Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, after they tragically died in a car accident last month.
Liverpool fans have paid tribute to Jota since his tragic passing on July 3, but sung his name as the team prepared for a new Premier League season without him. Members of Jota's family were at Anfield for the occasion, and there was a moment of silence before kick-off.
To honor Jota, Liverpool retired his No. 20 jersey, a move that has never been done in club history. In the 20th minute of Friday's game, fans began cheering for Jota as another mark of respect.
Just eight minutes later, the game was stopped after Semenyo alleged that he'd been subject to racism from a fan. The incident is currently being investigated.
Also in attendance at Anfield was new Liverpool signing Giovanni Leoni, who completed his $35 million transfer from Parma on Friday. The 18-year-old center-back will provide depth alongside Joe Gomez and Rhys Williams, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate expected to start most games.
There was also another deal agreed on Friday, between Liverpool and Bournemouth. 19-year-old winger Ben Doak has agreed to join Bournemouth for a deal worth $34 million, which could spark several more moves in the Premier League.
More to follow...