The Premier League opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth was stopped in the 28th minute after an allegation of a racist comment aimed at Antoine Semenyo
Friday 15 August 2025 21:13, UK
Image: Referee Anthony Taylor speaks to Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola (right) and Arne Slot (left) after Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse
Liverpool vs Bournemouth was stopped in the 28th minute after an allegation of a racist comment aimed at Antoine Semenyo.
Both Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola were spoken to by the referee Anthony Taylor after the game was paused.
"I am told via the Premier League Match Centre that Antoine Semenyo was the subject of a racist comment from the crowd," reported _Sky Sports'_ Peter Drury on commentary.
"It was Semenyo himself who brought attention to it."
The game resumed again in the 31st minute.
Sky Sports' Laura Hunter, in attendance at Anfield, later reported a fan was ejected from the stadium.
"In the wake of the game being halted after Semenyo reported being racially abused, Liverpool staff and members of the police have been in conversation on the side of the pitch and during half time.
"And just before the second half started, we have seen a fan being escorted away by police officers."
### Sky Sports pundits react to 'despicable' incident
_Sky Sports' Gary Neville:_
"It overshadows what should be an amazing night. The first day of the Premier League season, a beautiful day.
"And that boy has \[reported being\] racially abused. It's despicable. I can't imagine what is going through that fan's mind.
"However, it has happened. It will keep on happening. It's a sorry state."
_Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher:_
"With the amount of campaigns we have, it's shocking to see an incident like that.
"A shocking incident and rightly reported to the referee."