Antoine Semenyo made an allegation of racist abuse from the crowd during the first half of Friday's 4-2 win for Liverpool
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot speaks with Bournemouth's Ghanaian striker #24 Antoine Semenyo after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 15, 2025. Liverpool won the game 4-2. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Arne Slot speaks with Bournemouth goalscorer Antoine Semenyo after the match at Anfield(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arne Slot slammed the alleged racist abuse aimed at Antoine Semenyo and says Liverpool will support the Bournemouth star after an allegation was made during the first half of Friday's 4-2 win. The Reds kicked off the defence of their Premier League title with a victory at Anfield.
But the first half saw Semenyo allege to referee Anthony Taylor that he was abused while attempting to take a throw-in near the Main Stand.
The official paused the game to gather Liverpool head coach Slot and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola pitchside to update them on the situation.
The Reds released a statement confirming they are supporting a police investigation into the allegations and Slot says the club will do what they can to help the Cherries forward, who scored both of the visitors' goals on the night.
"It's under investigation with the police now," Slot said. "The club statement made very clear how we feel about this.
"It's good that we talk about it because it's unacceptable in every football stadium, let alone at Anfield.
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"I spoke to him after the game and said we will try to do everything to find that person and I think they've already found him so that's a good thing.
"Wherever we can help him, we'll try to do so.
"Big credit to him when something happens like this and you can perform so well in the second half.
"He's not only a great player but he's very strong mentally."
An official statement given to the ECHO after the game read: “Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth. We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football.
“The club is unable to comment further as tonight’s alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.”
Posting on X on Friday evening as the match was ongoing, the Premier League Match Centre account wrote: “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.”