Liverpool fan arrested after allegedly yelling racist remarks at Bournemouth star in shocking situation

New York Post

a day ago

A 47-year-old Liverpool fan who was last seen in a wheelchair was arrested Saturday after allegedly shouting racial slurs at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo in a stunning scene that led to Friday's Premier League opener in England being delayed for several minutes.
Meyerside police confirmed the fan was ejected from Friday's match and then announced his arrest one day later on allegations of a racially aggravated public order offense.
He has been taken into custody to be interviewed.
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7 The fan yells alleged racist remarks at Antoine Semenyo.
@BPINewsOrg/X
Semenyo, who tallied two goals in the 4-2 loss, thanked those involved for their support after the harrowing situation.
'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 @afcbournemouth teammates 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,' Semenyo posted to social media Saturday.
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'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 teammates, 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.'
7 Semenyo hearing the alleged remarks.
@BPINewsOrg/X
The uplifting message came after he previously posted to his Instagram Story a message sent to him with racially charged images, which he captioned: 'When will it stop……'
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The shocking scene unfolded in the 28th minute of a scoreless game during the Premier League's opener in Liverpool.
7 Semenyo (second from right) while the game was stopped.
AP
While Semenyo waited to throw the ball in during the first half of the 4-2 loss, a fan wearing Liverpool gear moved to the front row and made animated gestures toward Semenyo before moving back.
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Semenyo informed referee Anthony Taylor of what transpired, which led to the delay when Taylor told the two managers — Liverpool's Arne Slot and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola — about the situation.
Reports stated the game was delayed for two to three minutes.
The Premier League released a statement alleging 'discriminatory abuse from the crowd' that resulted in an investigation, while Liverpool condemned the fan's alleged behavior.
'The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs,' the Premier League said. '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.'
Semenyo responded by tallying both of his goals in the second half, and teammate Adam Smith told Sky Sports that Semenyo's toughness to handle it all showed his character.
'It shouldn't be happening,' Smith told the outlet, as transcribed by ESPN. 'I don't know how Ant's played on to be honest and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable.
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'Something needs to be done. Taking the knee isn't having an effect. We're supporting him and hopefully he'll be OK.
7 Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during Friday's match.
AFP via Getty Images
7 The message Semenyo posted to Instagram highlighted a racially charged message.
@antoinesemenyo42/Instagram
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'I wanted him to react because that's what I would have done, but this shows what type of man he is … to come up with those goals showed the type of guy he is.
'To be fair, the Liverpool players were very supportive as well towards Antoine and the rest of the team. It was handled in the right way but … so angry.'
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also spoke out in support of his opponent, calling it a 'disgrace.'
7 Semenyo celebrates during Friday's match.
AFP via Getty Images
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'I can't believe it,' he told Sky Sports. 'These things shouldn't happen but unfortunately it does and it is an absolute disgrace in my eyes.
'First and foremost, these things should never happen in the world, not only football. But in general, racism is not of this world in my opinion, but if we are to be realistic, unfortunately, it still exists and that is the painful side of it.
'We have to deal with it in the here and now.'
7 Referee Anthony Taylor looks on with AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and Liverpool manager Arne Slot after the game was paused due to a report of racial abuse from the crowd by AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo.
REUTERS
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Semenya, 25, plays for the Ghana National Team and just began his fourth season with Bournemouth.