Man arrested over alleged Antoine Semenyo racist abuse banned from every football stadium
The man accused of racially abusing Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo at Anfield has been banned from EVERY football stadium. The Cherries forward was at the heart of a shocking incident on the opening day of the season.
Bournemouth's match with Liverpool was briefly halted in the 29th minute of the game after Semenyo reported the incident to the referee. A 47-year-old was arrested on Saturday and Merseyside Police have confirmed that the individual has been bailed and banned from all UK football arenas while an investigation remains ongoing.
A statement on Monday read: 'We can confirm that a man has been conditionally bailed after he was arrested following reports that racist abuse was directed towards Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo.
'A 47-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on Saturday 16 August on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has now been bailed with conditions, which includes 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, which occurred during a Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday 15 August, remains ongoing and we continue to work closely with the club.'
Semenyo, who scored two goals to haul Bournemouth level before Liverpool secured victory with two late strikes, penned a passionate statement after the incident. He said: "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 @afcb team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the @liverpoolfc players and fans who showed their true character, to the @premierleague 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."
Semenyo and Bournemouth will be back in action this weekend as they take on Wolves at the Vitality Stadium. Meanwhile. Liverpool's next game sees them take on Newcastle at St James' Park.
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