A man has been arrested after Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo was allegedly racially abused.
Play was halted during the opening Premier League fixture of the season on Friday night between Liverpool and the Cherries at Anfield. Semenyo, 25, had reported to referee Anthony Taylor that he was racially abused during the first-half of the Reds' 4-2 win.
Merseyside Police said that a 47-year-old man from Liverpool was identified and removed from the stadium after Semenyo's report. He was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and taken into custody for questioning.
A statement read: "We've arrested a man, 47, from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after reports racist abuse was directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during their game against Liverpool on Friday 15 August."
Liverpool noted the allegation and released a statement condemning 'racism and discrimination in all forms'. The Premier League, FA and anti-discrimination body Kick It Out all made statements.
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse to referee Anthony Taylor
Semenyo released a powerful statement on Saturday, where he thanked his team-mates and Liverpool's players and fans, as well as the match officials, for their reaction and support.
The Ghana international posted on social media: "Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever - not because of one person's words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.
"To my @afcb team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the @liverpoolfc players and fans who showed their true character, to the @premierleague officials who handled it professionally - thank you. Football showed its best side when it mattered most.
"Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play - for moments like these, for my team-mates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.
"The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together."
Semenyo scored twice in the second-half to bring Bournemouth level. But late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah rescued Arne Slot's side three points after throwing away a two-goal advantage.
More to follow...
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