Liverpool’s opening match of the Premier League season had all the great things people love about football. There was a beautiful display of remembrance of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva prior to kickoff with an impeccably performed minute of silence with a mosaic and banners. Bournemouth supporters brought their own banner in a display of solidarity.
The match itself had it all. There was the first VAR controversy just 15 minutes into the season after a seemingly clear DOGSO red card was ignored. There was end-to-end action as Liverpool opened up a 2-0 lead, only to be pegged back for a brace from Antoine Semenyo to leave the score knotted in late stages of the match. Late drama from the unheralded Federico Chiesa gave Liverpool the lead entering extra time, and an inevitable opening matchday goal from Mohamed Salah sealed the deal on 90’+4. After the match, we saw a very emotional Salah crying in front of the Kop, singing along with the Diogo Jota song in a moment of communal grief and joy.
Unfortunately, the match also saw one of the ugly aspects of the game rear its ugly head. The match was stopped midway through the first half as referee Anthony Taylor spoke to both managers. News quickly began to filter in that Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a Liverpool supporter on the sideline as he prepared to take a throw in. The broadcast showed a wheelchair bound supporter moving up to the advertising boards and screaming in the direction of Semenyo. The supporter was removed by Merseyside Police at half time.
After the match, Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47 year old man was arrested and an investigation was underway. Liverpool released a statement condemning racism and discrimination, and saying that the club is fully supporting the investigation. Antoine Semenyo provided a post on instagram about the incident, highlighting the positive actions taken by the officials, as well as support from the players and supporters from both clubs in the aftermath.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk used his platform to condemn the racial abuse, making no bones about it as he provided his unequivocal support for Semenyo. The Dutch defender called the abuse “an absolute disgrace”.
“I’ve had loads of conversations with him (Semenyo) about it. First and foremost, I wanted to know what happened and I am glad the authorities are dealing with it all, that is the main thing. But we stand with him completely and I think every one of you here would say the same thing: these things can’t happen. So anything he needs for support, I am here for him.”
“We are all here for him to be honest, but the club as well and they are dealing with it in the right way. I am fully confident about that. Especially the authorities have to deal with it now and like I said these things can’t happen, whatsoever. I can’t believe it and I can say these things that it shouldn’t happen but unfortunately it does and it is an absolute disgrace in my eyes.”
Van Dijk went on to express his frustration that players are still having to deal with racial abuse in football, much less having racism as prevalent as it is overall in society still.
“These things should never happen in the world, not only football. I am happy to say I don’t see it happening up until today actually and that is why I say that it is a disgrace that it could happen. But in general racism is not of this world in my opinion, but if we are to be realistic, unfortunately, it still exists and that is the dangerous side of it.”
“We have to deal with it in the here and now and like I said, I am here for Antoine, whenever he needs it and we are here as a club to deal with it in the best way possible because it shouldn’t happen.”
I’m glad that the abuse was called out by Semenyo and that action was taken quickly by the referees and the authorities. Not too long ago (and still to this day in many places), these sorts of incidents were swept under the rug as “banter”. I am also quite glad the van Dijk provided such a strong statement. Hopefully the individual will face strong consequences, both legally and from the club. It’s a small but important step to see these incidents of abuse dealt with emphatically to ensure supporters know it will not be tolerated, and to let the players know they will be supported.