Referee Anthony Taylor speaks with Liverpool manager Arne Slot (left) and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola after Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo (not pictured) informs the referee of a possible racial comment from the crowd during the Premier League match _(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)_
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THE [Cherries](http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/) opening Premier League game against Liverpool was stopped by referee Anthony Taylor after Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse.
The Ghanaian reported the abuse, allegedly from a fan, to the referee, and Taylor paused the game.
He came to the touchline to speak to both Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot.
The game was paused for a few minutes while discussions were held on the touchline, before it resumed.
A Premier League statement said: "Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol.
"The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society.
"We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all."