Racist incident mars Premier League opener as Bournemouth's Ghana star Antoine Semenyo abused at Anfield against Liverpool
Image: Paul Ellis/AFP
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith said he was left shocked and angered after teammate Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a fan during the Cherries' 4-2 defeat at Liverpool in the opening game of the Premier League season.
The match was briefly halted after half an hour when Semenyo told referee Anthony Taylor of the incident and both managers were informed.
A Liverpool fan who had been seen gesturing towards the Ghanaian as he took a throw-in was led away by police at half-time.
Semenyo showed remarkable poise to not only continue but go on to score twice in the second half as Bournemouth came within minutes of holding the defending champions to a draw until late strikes by Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah.
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Premier League Players Take a Stand Against Racism: Smith Expresses Shock Over Ongoing Issues
"Totally unacceptable. Kind of in shock it happened in this day and age. I don't know how Ant has carried on playing and come up with his goals," said Smith.
Premier League players have taken a knee before matches as part of anti-racism campaigns in recent seasons, but Smith said the message is still not getting through.
Tottenham Condemns Online Racist Abuse Against Mathys Tel After UEFA Super Cup Penalty Miss
'He's a little bit down. Something needs to be done. Taking a knee has taken no effect,' Smith added.
'It's more anger. Shocked. I said to the ref I wanted him removed immediately but the police went and sorted it. The Liverpool players were very supportive to Ant and the rest of the team. Just so angry.
'We've had discussions with the Premier League about it so they have been 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 just feel sorry for Ant and he's had to take that. The whole country is watching and it's shocking.'
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