Liverpool have kicked off their English Premier League defence with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Bournemouth after claims of racism from a member of the crowd overshadowed the game at Anfield and sparked uproar around the football world. The Reds were 2-0 up after goals from new signing Hugo Ekitiké and Cody Gakpo, before Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo bagged a second half brace to level the contest and silence the home fans.
It set up a thrilling finish to the season opener and Liverpool substitute Federico Chiesa fired the champions back into the lead with a goal in the 88th minute. Mohamed Salah made sure of the three points with Liverpool's fourth goal in stoppage time to continue his incredible record of scoring in the opening games of the season as Arne Slot's side got their defence off to a flying start.
Liverpool's Premier League win was marred by claims of racism directed at Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo (R). Pic: Getty
Liverpool's Premier League win was marred by claims of racism directed at Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo (R). Pic: Getty
There were emotional scenes before kick-off at Anfield as Liverpool paid a moving tribute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car crash during the off-season. The Anfield crowd raised a mosaic featuring Jota's name and No.20 jersey before belted out a rousing rendition of their famous anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before kick-off.
The most amazing You’ll Never Walk Alone rendition at Anfield by the Liverpool fans for Diogo Jota and his brother #LIVBOU #PremierLeague
pic.twitter.com/0TZQPU5SmW
— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) August 15, 2025
Liverpool manager Slot and many of the players could be seen on the verge of tears during the tribute to Jota, ahead of the first competitive match at Anfield since the death of the former Reds star and his brother that rocked the football world. But the scenes inside Liverpool's famous home ground took a disturbing twist during the first half when play had to be momentarily halted due to claims of racist abuse against Bournemouth's Semenyo.
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo makes racist abuse claim
The Cherries forward was preparing to take a throw-in when a Liverpool fan appeared to shout something in his direction, prompting an angry reaction from Semenyo. Referee Anthony Taylor was forced to stop play during a 29th-minute Liverpool corner before talking to both managers on the touchline.
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and his and Bournemouth counterpart Adam Smith were also called over to the touchline to be briefed about the incident before the match resumed four minutes later. An anti-discrimination message was then read out to the crowd on the PA system at Anfield after the whistle had blown for halftime.
Seen here, Referee Anthony Taylor speaking to Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola after claims of racist abuse.
Referee Anthony Taylor stopped the game and spoke to both Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola after claims of racist abuse from a Liverpool fan. Pic: Getty
Seen here, Liverpool manager Arne Slot could be seen speaking with Antoine Semenyo after the Bournemouth forward claimed he was racially abused by a Liverpool supporter.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot could be seen speaking with Antoine Semenyo after the Bournemouth forward claimed he was racially abused by a Liverpool supporter. Pic: Getty
The Premier League also issued an official statement on social media platform X that read: "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."
The football world was quick to condemn the claims of racism, with many fans labelling it 'disgusting' on social media. And Semenyo's response to the drama was nothing short of extraordinary as his second-half double in the space of 12 minutes looked to have rescued a point for Bournemouth, following goals either side of halftime for Liverpool's new striker Ekitiké and Dutch forward, Gakpo.
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However, Slot's late substitution of Chiesa proved inspired as the Italy international fired the Reds back in front with just over two minutes of regular time remaining. Liverpool superstar Salah wrapped up victory deep in stoppage time by scoring a record-breaking 10th goal in opening day Premier League fixtures to seal a hard-fought three points for the Reds.
🚫 Allegations of racial abuse towards Bournemouth’s Semedo by a Liverpool fan in a wheelchair at Anfield.
Racism has no place in football or anywhere.#NoToRacism #FPL #LIVBOU pic.twitter.com/fpwHrY7ATu
— kido THE Brand 🇰🇪 (@Silvakidole) August 15, 2025
We’re 30 minutes into the new season and Semenyo has already been racially abused.
wtf is wrong with this country. DISGUSTING.#LIVBOU
— AD 𝕏 (@ADViews_) August 15, 2025
30 minutes into the new season and a player has been racially abused already. No place for it in any walk of life. Disgusting. That “fan” should be banned from games. #LIVBOU
— Leah♡ (@LeahGS) August 15, 2025
Who goes to the first game of football, pays tribute to the jota family, sings and cheers on their team to then racially abuse a player? Even though that person's own team has black players.
Disgusting.#LIVBOU #LFC#PremierLeague
— Dan Woodcock 🇬🇧 (@DanWoodcock93) August 15, 2025
🤝🏾| How you respond to racism!
💐 Antoine Semenyo #LIVBOU https://t.co/SePkyEFbPE pic.twitter.com/0hdD0foKz5
— Stephen ‡ Magyezi (@gyezi_) August 15, 2025