The Premier League have confirmed a report of racial abuse towards Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo at Anfield.
Play during Liverpool's 4-2 win over the Cherries was paused by referee Anthony Taylor shortly before the half-hour mark.
The Premier League opener was paused amid grim scenes
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The Premier League opener was paused amid grim scenesCredit: Getty
Taylor spoke to both Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola on the touchline, with captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith being called upon.
The match resumed after a short break, and the Premier League then condemned the reported abuse in a strong statement.
"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.
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"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."
talkSPORT's Adrian Durham said on commentary: "Antoine Semenyo, racially abused by a member of the crowd at Anfield here tonight.
"It's 2025, day one of the Premier League season. It's unacceptable, that's an obvious thing to say.
"But let's make it clear, it is totally unacceptable. If that racist can be identified and found, and it shouldn't be hard, they have to be banned from Anfield, banned from all grounds and there have to be criminal proceedings.
"It has to be taken seriously because I'll say it again, it's 2025 and it's the Premier League. You just can't have this kind of thing going on. It's simply, totally and utterly unacceptable.
Semenyo reported racial abuse during the match at Anfield
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Semenyo reported racial abuse during the match at AnfieldCredit: Getty
The Premier League have issued a strong statement
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The Premier League have issued a strong statementCredit: Getty
"And actually for me, it's spoiled what's been an emotional evening and but what has been a brilliant first half."
Liverpool felt aggrieved early on when Marcos Senesi escaped a red card for a handball.
But Hugo Ekitike scored a debut goal to put the hosts ahead with eight minutes left in the first half.
He then assisted Cody Gakpo for the second as visitors Bournemouth struggled to find a response to the opener.
However, the deficit was halved when Semenyo pulled a goal back for the Cherries with his finish from a quick counter-attack.
Semenyo then scored an excellent second with a low finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.
Semenyo left Anfield stunned with two second half goals
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Semenyo left Anfield stunned with two second half goalsCredit: Getty
But with two minutes on the clock, Federico Chiesa produced a fine strike to score his first Premier League goal.
And then Mohamed Salah made it 4-2 in stoppage-time as Liverpool avoided a shock result on the opening weekend.