Liverpool man arrested for allegedly racially abusing Ghana star
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth in action during the English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth, in Liverpool, Britain, 15 August 2025. EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN
by Austin Ditlhobolo
Sunday Aug 17, 2025. 15:00
An English Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth was briefly stopped after visiting Ghana international Antoine Semenyo reported getting racist abuse from the crowd on Friday.
The season-opening match ended in a 4-2 victory of Liverpool at Anfield, where Semenyo impressed with his finishing ability as the 25-year-old grabbed a brace, which proved to be a consolation for Bournemouth.
On Saturday, Merseyside police announced that they arrested a man from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence following the report of abuse aimed at Semenyo during the game.
“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,” a statement read.
“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.”
Semenyo, who was born in England to parents of Ghanaian and French descent, has also issued the following statement on his Instagram page.
“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,” he wrote.
“To my Bournemiuth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool FC 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.”