A 47-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested after reports of a Bournemouth player being racially abused during the first Premier League game of the season at Anfield Stadium.
Visiting forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator in the match against Liverpool, and referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute.
He spoke with 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.
Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man was removed from the ground, and an investigation was under way after his identity was confirmed.
In a later update, the force said a man was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and had been taken into custody to be interviewed.
Following Friday’s incident, Semenyo posted a screenshot of racist comments he had received to his Instagram story.
“When will it stop?” he wrote.
Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, the match commander for the Liverpool v Bournemouth game, said: “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 it is vital witnesses report similar incidents.
A spokesperson for Liverpool Football Club, said it was aware of the allegation and condemned racism and discrimination in all its forms.
After the incident, 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.
In a post on X, the player thanked his Bournemouth teammates for supporting him, the Liverpool players and fans who showed “their true character” and Premier League officials who “handled it professionally”.
“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 said. “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.”
The Premier League said in a statement that the incident would be fully investigated.
“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.”
The incident comes 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 St Germain.
The Football Association said it was “concerned” about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure “appropriate action” would be taken.
“Incidents of this nature have no place in our game and we will work closely with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure the appropriate action is taken,” it said.
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