Fifa president Gianni Infantino condemns Semenyo racism
Semenyo was targeted by a man in the crowd at Liverpool's Anfield Stadium during the first half on Friday, with referee Anthony Taylor stopping play to address the incident. Taylor spoke to both managers and captains before play resumed.
Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man had been ejected from Anfield. On Saturday, they confirmed the man from Liverpool had been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and taken into custody to be interviewed.
On Saturday, Semenyo thanked his teammates, Liverpool, match officials and the "entire football family" for their support.
"Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination – Antoine's courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide," Infantino said in a statement.
"The Players' Voice Panel, established as part of the five pillars against racism adopted by Fifa Congress in 2024, will be in touch with Antoine and is monitoring these situations closely.
"We are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organisers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action."
Semenyo revealed that he had been racially abused online after the game.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters also issued a warning on Saturday that anyone guilty of racist abuse would be banned from stadiums and could face prosecution.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
33 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Roy Keane and Paul McGrath have been named the best Republic of Ireland footballers
A survey of 1,000 supporters saw Liam Brady and Shay Given complete the top five, while Kevin 'Zinedine' Kilbane missed out on a top 20 spot GREEN GIANTS Roy Keane and Paul McGrath have been named the best Republic of Ireland footballers Roy Keane, Robbie Keane and Paul McGrath have been named the best Republic of Ireland footballers of all time. Liam Brady and Shay Given also made it into the top five. 3 Roy Keane has been named the best Republic of Ireland footballer of all time in a new poll conducted by 1,000 Irish football fans Credit: SWNS pics 3 Ireland's record goal scorer Robbie Keane came in second on the list behind Man Utd legend Roy Credit: SWNS pics 3 Former defender Paul McGrath was third on the poll that was compiled Credit: SWNS pics But the poll, of 1,000 Irish football fans, found Kevin 'Zinedine' Kilbane - who always earned a healthy respect for giving his all on the pitch - was placed just outside of the top 20 list. Newcastle United and Man City star Given wasn't the only goalkeeper to make the list, with Pat Bonner also appearing in seventh place. While Roy Keane's nemesis, Mick McCarthy, found himself down at number 17, a long way away from his bête noire. A spokesperson for which commissioned the research, said: "Ireland's produced players the equal of any across the globe. 'Roy Keane is just one who would have graced the midfield of any side on the planet, across any era, while Paul McGrath is one of the most naturally gifted players ever to kick a ball. 'Of course, there were some incredible players from Northern Ireland as well – you might have heard of one named George Best.' The study went on to find 62 per cent believe some Irish players would have been World Cup winners - had they been born a different nationality. Other legendary players to be voted into the top 10 included Damien Duff (27 per cent) and Denis Irwin (26 per cent). Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy's 2002 World Cup bust-up was deemed the most memorable Irish footballing moment. While 48 per cent remembered with sadness Thierry Henry's blatant handball against the side in a World Cup playoff, preventing the Irish from qualifying. Inside Sunderland's major Stadium of Light revamp as Black Cats spend fortune making it Premier League worthy When it comes to individuals, 49 per cent said natural talent and technical skill is most important when deciding who is a true 'great'. While 45 per cent attribute it to work ethic and determination, and 25 per cent value loyalty - to club or country. More than nine in 10 (93 per cent) reckoned a truly great player can shine even in an average team, and 72 per cent said a player's trophy cabinet is not the best measure of greatness. Of current players, Evan Ferguson is deemed the player with the biggest potential to become a legend of the Irish men's game. He was followed closely by Caoimhín Kelleher, Nathan Collins and Michael Obafemi, according to the data. And as for the old guard, Jack Charlton was voted the manager to have had the single greatest impact on the Republic of Ireland men's national team. With Italia '90 the tournament most fans were proudest of their side, as Charlton guided his team to the last eight, narrowly losing to Italy in the quarter-finals. spokesperson added: 'When you look at the history of football, it's remarkable just how many players from the Republic of Ireland have gone on to have extraordinary careers on the biggest stages. 'For a relatively small nation, the contribution to the game has been nothing short of immense. "Irish footballers have long been known for their tenacity, heart, and work ethic - but what often gets overlooked is the sheer talent. 'From local pitches to European finals and World Cups, they've consistently shown they can go toe-to-toe with the very best.' THE 20 BEST ROI PLAYERS OF ALL TIME: 1. Roy Keane 2. Robbie Keane 3. Paul McGrath 4. Liam Brady 5. Shay Given 6. Damien Duff 7. Packie Bonner 8. Denis Irwin 9. John O'Shea 10. John Giles 11. Niall Quinn 12. Ray Houghton 13. Seamus Coleman 14. Ronnie Whelan 15. John Aldridge 16. James McClean 17. Mick McCarthy 18. Steve Staunton 19. Richard Dunne 20. Andy Townsend
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Celtic transfers that could be completed ahead of Champions League deadline
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been vocal about his need for new players this summer. With the Champions League play-off tie against Kairat Almaty fast approaching, time is ticking to bring in fresh faces for the £40million showdown. The Glasgow giants are aiming to re-enter Europe's premier competition and secure the financial windfall that comes with progressing to the league phase. Although Celtic have already announced their squad, they have the opportunity to add up to two players by next Tuesday before the first leg the following evening - and remove two of the current team. Despite a terse response to another transfer question after the victory over Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup, Rodgers expressed optimism that new signings would arrive before the match against the champions of Kazakhstan, reports the Daily Record. A new winger is a priority following Nicolas Kuhn's departure while Jota remains out of action. Michel-Ange Balikwisha is still a possibility, with Royal Antwerp open to a deal for the wide player who is in the final year of his contract. However, his agent has stated that Celtic must initiate the move, and the club will reportedly sell as soon as the £4.7million asking price is met. This would allow the club to recoup the fee they paid Standard Liege for the star in 2021. Adam Obert from Cagliari is also reportedly attracting attention from Celtic and in Germany, with a £6million price tag placed on the 22-year-old. Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that a swift transfer could be on the cards for the winger, with his future "far from certain" and initial bids expected soon from clubs including Bundesliga side Heidenheim. Andy Irving is rumoured to be heading for a £3.5million exit from West Ham, with The People reporting that the Premier League club will allow the Scot to depart London "for the right price." Former England star Paul Robinson believes a rapid exit could be in the works for the 25-year-old. Speaking to The Inside Track, Robinson said: "From the player's point of view, he's at that stage in his career. "He's gone to West Ham where he's not really had that much game time and he's going to want to play. "I think he's a really good player, there's a top player in there, and he's one of these players who will get better if he plays regularly and plays every week. "A move away from West Ham seems the only option if he's going to get that. The way Graham Potter rotates his side and changes players, it doesn't look like he's going to get much game time. "Potter wants to rejuvenate his squad, and Celtic are looking at him, so that could be one we see get done in the next week or so." A striker is also on Rodgers' wish list - and the possibility of making a move for Cluj's Louis Munteanu is still on the table as Rodgers seeks competition for Adam Idah. Celtic reportedly had a £6.9million offer rejected for the Romanian striker earlier in the transfer window, with Cluj president Nelu Varga holding out for around £18million. Munteanu declined to play in last week's Europa League defeat to Braga, according to reports, with Stade Rennes also in pursuit of a deal. Cluj maintained that the forward was injured, but rumours suggest that the striker has rebelled over an unpaid sum. Agent Giovanni Becali has now warned Varga that he may need to urgently cash in - and accept significantly less than his personal price tag - as his fee will drop if the star refuses to plan. He stated: "Nelutu Varga has already taken part of those 18 million from Louis Munteanu. He took the down payment and will take another instalment in the winter. They said 'let's let him play with you because he can make a living'." While manager Rodgers has been calling for more firepower, he could still strengthen his defence before the crucial Champions League playoff. Le Havre defender Etienne Youte has already confessed he is waiting for the right club for his next move this summer after entering the final year of his contract. L'Equipe suggests the Scottish Premiership champions have joined Anderlecht and Besiktas in the race to sign the 23-year-old - with the Ligue 1 team ready to accept a €5million (£4.3million) fee this summer.
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Man arrested over alleged Semenyo abuse is banned from every UK football stadium
A man arrested after a Bournemouth forward reported being racially abused has been banned from every football stadium in the UK. A 47-year-old man from Liverpool has been released on bail after he was arrested the following day on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. As part of his bail conditions, he cannot attend any regulated football match in the UK, and is not allowed within a mile of any football stadium, Merseyside Police said. The force's investigation into the incident is ongoing. Match referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute and a fan was ejected from Anfield. before Liverpool went on to eventually win 4-2. The following day, the 25-year-old Ghanaian international said 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." He thanked his teammates, Liverpool players and fans "who showed their true character", and the Premier League officials "who handled it professionally".
