Premier League 2025-26: Why was play stopped during Liverpool vs Bournemouth?
Play was paused around the 30th minute of the match as referee Anthony Taylor was seen approaching the dugouts. Taylor was then seen in discussion with the fourth official, as well as Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.
Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. This is in line with the Premier League's on-field… — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 15, 2025
It was later confirmed that the stoppage in play was due an incident of racist abuse from a member of the crowd directed at Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. Taylor informed both team captains and managers before restarting the game.
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