A man has been arrested after Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse from the stands during Liverpool’s Premier League game with Bournemouth on Friday night.
The opening match of the new season was paused in the first-half after Semenyo reported an alleged incident of abuse from a supporter in the stands at Anfield.
Referee Anthony Taylor stopped the match and spoke to his fourth official before informing head coaches Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola and captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith of what had been reported.
Play then resumed before an anti-discrimination message was later read out to the crowd at half-time.
Merseyside Police confirmed on Saturday that a 47-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has been taken into custody to be interviewed.
Semenyo scored two second-half goals to draw the game level before Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah struck to ensure a 4-2 victory for the home side.
The 25-year-old posted on Instagram on Friday night “when will it stop?” after receiving further abuse online before thanking the football community for their support in a message on Saturday.
“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 wrote.
“To my Bournemouth team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League officials who handled it professionally – thank you. 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 team-mates, 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.”
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville called the incident “despicable” and one that “overshadows what should be an amazing night” while Smith labelled it “totally unacceptable”.
Liverpool, the Football Association and anti-racism charity Kick It Out all released statements condemning the incident while Van Dijk offered his support.
Bournemouth are next in action against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 23.
(Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)
