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; a 47-year-old man was ejected from Anfield and an arrest has now been made, Merseyside Police said
Saturday 16 August 2025 15:52, UK
Image: Antoine Semenyo scored twice for Bournemouth against Liverpool on Friday
A 47-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused during the first game of the Premier League season, Merseyside Police said.
The force said the man was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and has been taken into custody to be interviewed.
Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator to referee Anthony Taylor, who stopped play in the 29th minute on Friday and a 47-year-old man was ejected from Anfield Stadium.
Semenyo was also subjected to racist abuse on Instagram on Friday night. The 25-year-old shared some of the abuse on his story, with the caption: "When will it stop?"
Meta has told _Sky Sports News_ it is investigating. It is understood the social media company are removing comments and disabling the offending accounts.
### How incident led to match being halted
Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola were spoken to by referee Taylor when the incident at Anfield occurred, leading to the game being 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."
_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 racist 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."
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith described the incident as "unacceptable" while head coach Iraola added: "It's a big shame, most of the news will be about this thing. Obviously, it is something that is still a big problem, not just in football.
"From the Liverpool side, they have identified this person."
_More to follow..._