Merseyside police have confirmed a man has been arrested following the racial abuse Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo suffered during the first Premier League game of the season against Liverpool. Play was halted at Anfield after the forward alerted referee Anthony Taylor to the situation, and both managers were consulted on what had happened.
Following the game, Liverpool boss Arne Slot reflected on the moment, claiming it 'should never happen'. The Dutchman said: "It is obvious we do not want this in football. We definitely don't want this at Anfield. Unfortunately, it is part of the story because we should talk about the great tribute to Diogo Jota. This should never happen in football, let alone Anfield."
Immediately following the match, Merseyside police confirmed a 47-year-old man had been identified and ejected from the stadium, with Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton saying:
"Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form.
“We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible."
Man Arrested in Connection to Antoine Semenyo Incident
semenyo
In an updated statement on Saturday 16 August, the day after Semenyo's complaint, the police issued a further press release. This time, they confirmed the man had been arrested in connection with the incident. The statement read:
"We have arrested a man following reports racist abuse was directed towards Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during his team’s Premier League fixture versus Liverpool at Anfield on Friday 15 August.
"The suspect’s identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground following the report.
"A 47-year-old man from Liverpool has today (Saturday 16 August) been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has been taken into custody to be interviewed."
A social media user took to X (formerly Twitter) to relay what they claimed had happened. The investigation is ongoing with police set to interview the man, who has been taken into custody.
Antoine Semenyo Releases Statement on Racial Abuse
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo, who showed incredible strength to produce an incredible performance on the pitch - scoring two goals against the English champions - also had his say on the incident. Posting on X, the Ghana international claimed the support he received after the incident will stay with him forever, as he stated:
"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 Bournemouth team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League 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 teammates, 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.”