The game at Anfield was stopped for several minutes following the incident
Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo.
Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Police have issued an update after a report Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo was allegedly racially abused at Anfield. The Reds kicked off the defence of their Premier League title with a 4-2 victory at Anfield on Friday, August 15.
But the first half saw Semenyo claim to referee Anthony Taylor that he was racially abused while attempting to take a throw-in near the Main Stand. The game was stopped for several minutes as the situation was reported to Liverpool and Bournemouth bosses, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola.
Merseyside Police said a suspect’s identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground. A 47-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on Saturday, August 16 on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
A spokesperson for the force confirmed he has now been bailed with conditions, which include not to attend any regulated football match in the UK and not to go within one mile of a designated football stadium. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing and Merseyside Police said they are continuing to work closely with Liverpool Football club.
Following the match on Friday, Semenyo wrote 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 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 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."
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
A spokesperson for Liverpool FC said at the time: "Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth.
"We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football. The club is unable to comment further as tonight's alleged is incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully."
To report a hate crime contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If, for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK to run a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org.
You can also download the Stop Hate UK reporting app on Google Play or the Apple App Store.