Man arrested after Bournemouth footballer reported racist abuse at match
Match referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute on Friday and a man, 47, was ejected from Anfield stadium.
A 47-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and has been taken into custody to be interviewed, Merseyside Police said.
Semenyo scored twice in the second half to help bring Bournemouth back from two goals down at Anfield before Liverpool went on to eventually win the contest 4-2.
The following day, the 25-year-old forward 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'.
Semenyo continued: '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.'
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… pic.twitter.com/6sNyv3vROK
— Antoine Semenyo (@semenyo924) August 16, 2025
During the match, Semenyo spoke to managers Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola before the two captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith were called over to the dug-outs.
An anti-discrimination message was read out to the Anfield crowd, and it is understood that police officers went into the referee's room at half-time.
The incident came two days after Tottenham Hotspur player Mathys Tel received racist abuse online after missing a penalty in his side's Uefa Super Cup win against Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool captain van Dijk labelled the reported abuse aimed at Semenyo as a 'disgrace'.
He agreed it was symptomatic of a wider problem not restricted to football, but said greater attempts had to be made to change the mindset.
Campaigns such as taking the knee and Kick It Out have not been able to eradicate the issue, he added.
Van Dijk said: 'What else can we do? Because this is the very odd one (case) that has managed to say something that is obviously a disgrace.
'The only thing we can do is deal with it by dealing with him personally and try to educate the next generation. That is the only way to try and kick it out, in my opinion.
'I can't believe it. 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. I am happy to say I don't see it happening up until today actually.
'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.'
Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, match commander for the Liverpool versus Bournemouth game, said on Friday: 'Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form.'
'We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible.'
He added: 'There is no place for racism and it is vital that anyone who witnesses such an offence reports it to stewards, or the police, immediately so we can take the necessary action like we did this evening.
'As with all matches, we work very closely with both Liverpool and Everton FC to ensure the safety of the public and the players.'
A spokesperson for Liverpool Football Club said it is aware of the allegation of racist abuse and that 'we condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football'.
The Football Association said it was 'concerned' about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure 'appropriate action' would be taken.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
11 minutes ago
- The Independent
Monday's briefing: Arsenal edge first win after Chelsea strikeforce fires blanks
Arsenal took the honours in the first big clash of the Premier League season, battling to a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. There were signs of hope for Ruben Amorim's side despite the result, while elsewhere Nottingham Forest made a fine start to the season and Chelsea played out a stalemate with Crystal Palace. Rearguard action from Gunners Altay Bayindir's blunder handed Arsenal victory and undid a positive Manchester United performance in Sunday's pulsating Premier League encounter. Old Trafford rocked as Mikel Arteta's runners-up headed to the rebuilding Red Devils in the most eye-catching fixture of the opening weekend. United looked far better than the side that finished 15th last season – their worst top-flight campaign since 1974 – yet Amorim's men fell to another loss as Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on Bayindir's early flap. United are a work in progress but summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo looked sharp on their debuts, while Patrick Dorgu hit a post in the first half. Arsenal keeper David Raya also produced a string of important stops to keep the hosts at bay. Amorim defends keeper Bayindir's difficult moment again put the spotlight on United's goalkeeping situation. The Turk was given the nod to start the game with Andre Onana still working his way back from injury. Bayindir failed to deal with a corner, allowing Calafiori to nod in, but Amorim, felt his keeper was put in a very difficult situation. 'You're allowed to do a lot of things in the corner, we need to do the same,' he said. 'When you touch that way the goalkeeper, he needs to use his hands to catch the ball, not push players, or he chooses to push players and let the ball past.' Last season Bayindir conceded directly from a Son Heung-min corner in a 4-3 Carabao Cup defeat at Tottenham, but Amorim rejected criticism of the keeper, saying: 'He suffered a goal like this where? Against Tottenham? It was without VAR. With VAR it was a foul. 'Then in the next game against Arsenal, who saved the penalty? Who saved the game? You don't remember the game but I remember the game and Altay was unbelievable in that game. I am happy with the three goalkeepers.' Spotlight on Eze Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said Eberechi Eze will play for as long as he remains at the club and urged fans not to believe 'rumours' the England international is about to be sold. Amid reports of an imminent move, Eze was a surprise inclusion as Palace began their Premier League campaign with a goalless draw against a lacklustre Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He looked to have delivered a potential parting gift to supporters with a brilliant first-half free-kick before VAR intervened controversially to disallow the goal. Palace have had talks with Tottenham over Eze and Arsenal are also reported to be keen to sign the midfielder. 'As much as I know, Eze has a contract with Crystal Palace, he's a Crystal Palace player and he showed it today,' said Glasner. 'As long as he is a Palace player and performs like this, he will play for us. Nobody has told me something else.' Wood at the double Nottingham Forest made a mockery of Nuno Espirito Santo's pre-match worries as they beat Brentford 3-1 in their opening game of the season. Nuno expressed his 'concern' for the campaign ahead of the match, citing a lack of options in his squad, but he will feel better after a rampant display at the City Ground. After new signings Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee were unveiled before kick-off, their new team-mates put on a show as Chris Wood's double and a debut goal for Dan Ndoye put them 3-0 up at the break. It was the start that new Brentford boss Keith Andrews would have dreaded. With Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard sold over the summer and Yoane Wissa effectively on strike trying to force a move away, Andrews has not been handed the easiest of tasks in his first managerial role. Igor Thiago got the Bees on the scoresheet with a second-half penalty, but life after Thomas Frank began poorly. Ramsey moves north Newcastle completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey. The 24-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Magpies, who are understood to have paid an initial £39million for his services, with a further £4m due in add-ons. The Villa academy graduate, who made 167 appearances for the club, 10 of them in last season's Champions League, is head coach Eddie Howe's fourth acquisition of a difficult summer. Ramsey said: 'I'm delighted to be here. It's been a mad two or three days, but I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started.' 'Jacob is another fantastic addition to our squad,' added Toon boss Eddie How. 'His qualities will bring us something different on the pitch and he fits the profile of being young and hungry to develop, but also with a wealth of Premier League football under his belt.' What's on today? Leeds mark their return to the Premier League on Monday night when they host Everton in the final match of the opening round. Daniel Farke's side will hope to use the Elland Road crowd to make it a difficult night for Everton, who could have new loan signing Jack Grealish in the squad. Facing the Toffees, meanwhile, could be forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who spent nine years on Merseyside before departing at the end of his contract earlier this summer.
The Herald Scotland
25 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Monday's briefing: Arsenal edge first win after Chelsea strikeforce fires blanks
Rearguard action from Gunners Riccardo Calafiori scores from close range (Nick Potts/PA) Altay Bayindir's blunder handed Arsenal victory and undid a positive Manchester United performance in Sunday's pulsating Premier League encounter. Old Trafford rocked as Mikel Arteta's runners-up headed to the rebuilding Red Devils in the most eye-catching fixture of the opening weekend. United looked far better than the side that finished 15th last season – their worst top-flight campaign since 1974 – yet Amorim's men fell to another loss as Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on Bayindir's early flap. United are a work in progress but summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo looked sharp on their debuts, while Patrick Dorgu hit a post in the first half. Arsenal keeper David Raya also produced a string of important stops to keep the hosts at bay. Amorim defends keeper Altay Bayindir had a difficult day (Martin Rickett/PA) Bayindir's difficult moment again put the spotlight on United's goalkeeping situation. The Turk was given the nod to start the game with Andre Onana still working his way back from injury. Bayindir failed to deal with a corner, allowing Calafiori to nod in, but Amorim, felt his keeper was put in a very difficult situation. 'You're allowed to do a lot of things in the corner, we need to do the same,' he said. 'When you touch that way the goalkeeper, he needs to use his hands to catch the ball, not push players, or he chooses to push players and let the ball past.' Last season Bayindir conceded directly from a Son Heung-min corner in a 4-3 Carabao Cup defeat at Tottenham, but Amorim rejected criticism of the keeper, saying: 'He suffered a goal like this where? Against Tottenham? It was without VAR. With VAR it was a foul. 'Then in the next game against Arsenal, who saved the penalty? Who saved the game? You don't remember the game but I remember the game and Altay was unbelievable in that game. I am happy with the three goalkeepers.' Spotlight on Eze Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants Alexander Isak's future resolved quickly (Bradley Collyer/PA) Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said Eberechi Eze will play for as long as he remains at the club and urged fans not to believe 'rumours' the England international is about to be sold. Amid reports of an imminent move, Eze was a surprise inclusion as Palace began their Premier League campaign with a goalless draw against a lacklustre Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He looked to have delivered a potential parting gift to supporters with a brilliant first-half free-kick before VAR intervened controversially to disallow the goal. Palace have had talks with Tottenham over Eze and Arsenal are also reported to be keen to sign the midfielder. 'As much as I know, Eze has a contract with Crystal Palace, he's a Crystal Palace player and he showed it today,' said Glasner. 'As long as he is a Palace player and performs like this, he will play for us. Nobody has told me something else.' Wood at the double Chris Wood, left, gets past Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher (Bradley Collyer/PA) Nottingham Forest made a mockery of Nuno Espirito Santo's pre-match worries as they beat Brentford 3-1 in their opening game of the season. Nuno expressed his 'concern' for the campaign ahead of the match, citing a lack of options in his squad, but he will feel better after a rampant display at the City Ground. After new signings Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee were unveiled before kick-off, their new team-mates put on a show as Chris Wood's double and a debut goal for Dan Ndoye put them 3-0 up at the break. It was the start that new Brentford boss Keith Andrews would have dreaded. With Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard sold over the summer and Yoane Wissa effectively on strike trying to force a move away, Andrews has not been handed the easiest of tasks in his first managerial role. Igor Thiago got the Bees on the scoresheet with a second-half penalty, but life after Thomas Frank began poorly. Ramsey moves north Jacob Ramsey is a Mag! 🙌 — Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 17, 2025 Newcastle completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey. The 24-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Magpies, who are understood to have paid an initial £39million for his services, with a further £4m due in add-ons. The Villa academy graduate, who made 167 appearances for the club, 10 of them in last season's Champions League, is head coach Eddie Howe's fourth acquisition of a difficult summer. Ramsey said: 'I'm delighted to be here. It's been a mad two or three days, but I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started.' 'Jacob is another fantastic addition to our squad,' added Toon boss Eddie How. 'His qualities will bring us something different on the pitch and he fits the profile of being young and hungry to develop, but also with a wealth of Premier League football under his belt.' What's on today? Dominic Calvert-Lewin could face his former club (Peter Byrne/PA) Leeds mark their return to the Premier League on Monday night when they host Everton in the final match of the opening round. Daniel Farke's side will hope to use the Elland Road crowd to make it a difficult night for Everton, who could have new loan signing Jack Grealish in the squad. Facing the Toffees, meanwhile, could be forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who spent nine years on Merseyside before departing at the end of his contract earlier this summer.
Daily Mirror
42 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal transfer news: Crystal Palace boss gives Eberechi Eze update as Gunners eye Barcelona swoop
Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal players are celebrating a winning start to the Premier League season but the final two weeks of the transfer window could bring fresh developments Arsenal made a winning start to their Premier League season on Sunday but there are still some questions left unanswered. Riccardo Calafiori's close-range effort made the difference against Manchester United, but Mikel Arteta's side weren't at their best in every area. New big-money signing Viktor Gyokeres was unconvincing on his first start in England's top flight, managing just an hour before making way for Kai Havertz. It may well be that Arteta decides the Swede needs more support before deadline day. Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is one of those who has been linked all summer long, though Tottenham appear in pole position with Arsenal cooling their interest Whether Eze's impressive performance for Palace at Chelsea on Sunday could change things remains to be seen. Gyokeres wasn't the only new signing involved for Arsenal at Old Trafford, with Gyokeres joined by Martin Zubimendi in the starting XI and Noni Madueke coming off the bench. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cristhian Mosquera were unused substitutes, while Christian Norgaard missed out with a minor injury. Arsenal have two weeks left to make any final additions to their squad for the first half of the season. Here, Mirror Football looks at how things are shaping up. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has issued an update on Eberechi Eze's short-term future. The England star got more than 80 minutes on Sunday despite links with Arsenal and Tottenham during the window, and is expected to be available for Palace's Conference League play-off on Tursday. "The 15, 16 players who had the most minutes last year are still here," Glasner told Sky Sports after his team earned a goalless draw at Chelsea. "There are a lot of rumours about Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi but they were 100 per cent with this group in Crystal Palace and they have proved that in a big way. "Eb should have scored a goal today, he had one and it was disallowed. He will come tomorrow to the Crystal Palace training ground, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad." Arsenal's De Jong links Reports in Spain suggest Arsenal could be in the running to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona. The move would likely not be until next summer, when the Dutch international's deal in Catalunya expires. Manchester United have long been linked with a swoop for De Jong, predominantly when his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag was at the helm. With United dropping down the league and appointing Ruben Amorim, though, that chat has gone cold. We'd still probably take the Arsenal links with a pinch of salt. De Jong hasn't expressed any desire to leave his current club, even if the much-publicised financial situation affecting Barca could force them to make tweaks to their squad in 2026. Zinchenko breakthrough Arsenal utility man Oleksandr Zinchenko is set for Fenerbahce, according to reports in Turkey. The Ukraine international is expected to move on an initial loan with an option to buy, with the package worth a reported £11m. The 28-year-old has featured for Arsenal in pre-season but wasn't in the matchday squad on Sunday. The arrival of Calafiori and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly saw his opportunities limited last term, though he did get some game time in midfield. ZInchenko's current Arsenal deal expires in 2026. It is unclear whether the Gunners would urge him to sign an extension before agreeing to a loan exit, having reportedly explored a permanent sale earlier this summer.
