The Premier League has issued an official explanation after Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo alleged that a fan racially abused him.
Liverpool hosted Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday in the opening game of the 2025-26 Premier League season, but play was stopped in the 28th minute. Semenyo reported a racial comment from the crowd, and referee Anthony Taylor stopped the contest momentarily.
The game was restarted, and Semenyo issued the perfect response, scoring two goals in the second half to tie the game after Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo put Liverpool 2-0 ahead. Liverpool won the game late, following goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, and the Premier League then issued a statement regarding the Semenyo incident.
"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," the statement on the Premier League Match Center X account read. "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."
The game was stopped after Semenyo reported the incident
The game was stopped after Semenyo reported the incident (Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
Semenyo, 25, has impressed since joining Bournemouth in 2023 and was linked with a summer exit alongside several teammates. Semenyo scored eight Premier League goals in 2023-24 and added 11 last season.
The winger was linked with teams such as Tottenham, Manchester United, and Liverpool, but decided to sign a five-year contract extension at Bournemouth. "I've grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I'm really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season," he said.
"From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can't speak highly enough of the people around the club. It's a great place to be and I'm excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner."
Semenyo scored two goals in the second half as Bournemouth lost 4-2
Semenyo scored two goals in the second half as Bournemouth lost 4-2 (Image: 2025 Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth)
Semenyo's decision was well-received at Bournemouth, as other stars decided to move on this summer. Milos Kerkez joined Liverpool in a deal worth $54 million, and Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid for $67 million.
Ilya Zabarnyi also joined Paris Saint-Germain, and Dango Ouattara has agreed to join Brentford. Bournemouth has made some exciting signings, though, and one was agreed in Liverpool on Friday.
Liverpool winger Ben Doak is set to join Bournemouth in a deal worth $34 million, providing support for Semenyo, Evanilson, David Brooks, and Marcus Tavernier in attack. Bournemouth's main priority this summer has been the defense.
Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was signed from Chelsea after Kepa and Mark Travers departed the club, and Bafode Diakite was signed to replace Zabarnyi at center back. Adrien Truffert arrived from Stade Rennais to replace Kerkez at left back.