Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has spoken out for the first time since he was allegedly racially abused while taking on Liverpool at Anfield.
The Premier League got off to a thrilling start as the Reds overcame the defiant Cherries to win 4-2 on Friday evening.
But what was a thoroughly entertaining game was arguably overshadowed by the shocking incident reported by Semenyo in the 28th minute.
As the talented Ghanian international was preparing to take a throw-in, he appeared to be heckled by a Liverpool fan on the sidelines.
After Semenyo brought the alleged abuse to the attention of referee Anthony Taylor, the match was temporarily paused with the score level at 0-0.
The supporter, who it has been alleged was sitting in a wheelchair on the bottom row of Anfield’s Main Stand, was escorted out of the stadium.
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo was allegedly racially abused during his side’s fixture against Liverpool on Friday
Despite the shocking incident, the Ghanaian winger went onto score two goals and get his side back in the game
During the stoppage, Semenyo’s team-mates and opponents were seen rallying around him as he decided whether to continue playing. Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo in particular was spotted comforting the 25-year-old.
Semenyo has now spoken out for the first time on his social media since the shocking incident.
Responding to a vile racist comment left on his Instagram account, the footballer posted to his Stories: ‘When will it stop…’
Despite being the subject of the alleged abuse, the talented winger was at the top of his game on the opening day of the season.
After Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo put the host’s 2-0 up, the game seemed dead and buried.
But Semenyo fired back with a brace, including an incredible solo goal fired past Allison in the Liverpool goal.
It wasn’t enough for Andoni Iraola’s side however, as late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah secured Arne Slot’s side all three points on the opening day of the season.
During the match, the Premier League released an official statement condemning the alleged abuse received by Semenyo. It came after an anti-discriminatory message was read out at Anfield.
Semenyo has now spoken out for the time since the alleged abuse, responding to another vile comment left on his Instagram
The shocking moment unfortunately overshadowed what was a thoroughly entertaining game
‘Tonight’s match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. This is in line with the Premier League’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol,’ the league’s statement read.
‘The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society.
‘We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.’
At half-time, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher also expressed disdain towards the incident.
Neville said: ‘It overshadows what should be an amazing night, first game of the Premier League season.
‘That boy [Semenyo] has basically been racially abused and had to complain about it. It’s despicable. I can’t even think what would be going through someone’s mind [to say that].
Carragher added: ‘The amount of campaigns we have, kick racism out, all over the world, it’s shocking to see an incident like that.
‘A shocking incident and rightly reported to the referee.’
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville also condemned the abuse live on Sky Sports
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola also spoke out at full-time
After the final whistle, Neville said: ‘There needs to be strong consequences. It’s what the game does. We see lots of statements, but the key thing is, what’s changing?’
Slot commended the attending fans for paying respects to the late Diogo Jota, and admitted that it was disappointing such an incident takes the shine off a memorable night.
The Dutchman said: ‘We don’t want this in football, we don’t want this in a stadium, but especially not in Anfield.
‘It’s unacceptable that something like this happens in a stadium, especially at Anfield. It takes the shine off – our fans were unbelievable with their tributes for Diogo.
‘I didn’t hear it but it should definitely not happen in a stadium.’
In the other dugout, Iraola said: ‘Antoine, the referee, everyone explained the situation. The person has been identified.
‘It was a great game of football, everyone watching, and now we have to be talking about these things. We should have been past this stage but people don’t behave correctly. Every step that you collectively do forward, with this it loses a lot of power.
‘He did what he had to do. He said straight away, the referee explained the situation, I don’t think he lost his mind, but in the next minutes he was probably thinking. It was a big shame we have to be talking about these things.
‘The Liverpool managers, the players, they feel it. Even if it’s a Liverpool supporter, they don’t want them with them. Everyone understands these things have to be out from everywhere, especially from football.’
Semenyo received support from Bournemouth skipper Adam Smith in his post-match interview
In his post-match interview, Bournemouth captain Adam Smith said: ‘Totally unacceptable, shocked that it happened in this day and age.
‘It shouldn’t be happening. I don’t know how Ant has played on and come up with those goals. It’s totally unacceptable. I just feel sorry for Ant. He’s a little bit down and to carry on playing, something needs to be done. Taking a knee is having no effect. We’ll support him and hopefully he’ll be okay.
‘I wanted him to react, because that’s what I would have done. I would have gone straight over there, but it shows what type of man he is, to not react in the moment and to carry on. Coming up with those two goals shows the type of guy he is.
‘I felt angry. Shocked. I said to the referee, I wanted him removed immediately, but they had to go through a process and the police will sort it.
‘The Liverpool players were very supportive towards Antoine and the rest of the team. it was handled in the right way, but so angry.
‘We’ve had discussions with the Premier League about it, so they are taking it seriously. I don’t know what else we can do! We’ve been doing it for a long time now and no one is getting it. I don’t know what to say anymore.
‘I just feel sorry for Ant, that he’s had to take that tonight. The whole country is watching and for that to happen is shocking.’
Liverpool also released a club statement during the game to condemn the moment, and revealed a police investigation is ongoing.
It read: ‘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 incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.’
