“Big Shame”: Liverpool, Bournemouth React As Antoine Semenyo Suffers Racial Abuse at Anfield
- Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo was reportedly racially abused by a Liverpool fan during the 2025/26 English Premier League opening match
- The Ghanaian striker scored a brace as The Cherries lost 4-2 to the Reds at Anfield on Friday night, August 15
- Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola shared their thoughts after the encounter
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Liverpool beat Bournemouth 4-2 on the opening night of the 2025/26 English Premier League at Anfield on August 15.
New signing Hugo Ekitike opened his goal account on his league debut to put the hosts ahead after 37 minutes, and provided an assist for Cody Gakpo to double the lead in the 49th.
Source: Getty Images
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo scored a goal for the visitors, Bournemouth, in the 64th minute before completing a brace 12 minutes later.
In the 88th minute, substitute Federico Chiesa scored Liverpool's third goal after goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic pushed away a ball into the box by Salah, per Al Jazeera.
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Arne Slot pays glowing tribute to Diogo Jota after Liverpool's win: “I was looking for him”
In the 90+4 minute, the Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah put the ball past the bottom corner as he is a joint-fourth with Andy Cole on the all-time Premier League scorers’ list with 187.
What happened to Semenyo?
Bournemouth forward Antione Semenyo reportedly suffered racial abuse from a Liverpool fan during the first half of the 2025/26 EPL opening match.
According to France24, the Ghanaian forward reported the incident to Referee Anthony Taylor, who showed great concern.
A physically-challenged Liverpool fan who had been seen gesturing towards the Ghanaian as he took a throw-in was led away by police at half-time.
Taylor stopped the match and spoke with managers Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, on the touchline before briefing the two captains, Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith.
Source: Getty Images
Slot, Iraola back Semenyo
Liverpool coach Arne Slot said racial abuse should never happen in football.
According to TnTSports, Slot explained that the night was meant for the late Diogo Jota but the issue of Semenyo is overshadowing it. He 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 for Diogo Jota. This should never happen in football, let alone Anfield."
Liverpool have condemned the racist abuse. The statement read:
"Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth.
"We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football."
Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola described the incident as a big shame.
Iraola said such an incident should never occur on the first game of the season. He said:
"First game of the season, a lovely game of football and I have to speak about these things happening. A big shame."
Bassey suffers racism in England
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey was a victim of racial abuse sent to him via his Instagram pages after his performance helped Fulham dump United out of the FA Cup.
Fulham confirmed the incident in an official statement and promised to work with relevant authorities in fishing out and prosecuting the perpetrators.
Source: Legit.ng
