Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo has proposed using imprisonment as a preventive measure for racist attacks after the footballer was reportedly attacked by a fan at Anfield during a match with Liverpool on August 15.
Image: Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth forward
Semenyo said criminal imprisonment should be one of the possible punishments for racism in sport after he encountered a “shocking” incident involving a spectator last week.
The opening match of the new Premier League championship was marred by an event during which the Cherry forward allegedly became the target of aggression from a fan on the pitch during a 4-2 defeat to Liverpool.
The Londoner, who represented the Ghana national team and scored twice in the game, informed referee Anthony Taylor of the situation, which led to the 47-year-old being detained.
A public order suspect has been released on bail with a condition that he will not attend any official football events in the UK.
In his first comments to ITV News, the sportsman stressed that both football associations and law enforcement needed to step up their efforts.
Asked about the possible deterrent effect of publicity, Semenyo said: “I would like to believe so, but if it doesn't work, it will be clear that the Premier League's measures are insufficient and need to be reviewed. I really hope so.”
When asked about the maximum punishment, the footballer replied: “It could be a real term, a lifetime ban from stadiums or similar sanctions. But I am sure that stricter decisions are needed.”
The 25-year-old athlete, who thanked his teammates, opponents and fans who supported him, also revealed that he received additional offensive messages on social media after the match.
“It is absolutely inexplicable why something like this is happening in our time. We need answers. What we heard was painful,” he shared.
“I went back to the locker room and started checking my notifications. I was planning on replying to my loved ones, but these messages popped up on Instagram. The racial abuse continued right after the final whistle.
“Someone felt the need to express hatred online. It caused anger. What's the point?”
Following the meeting, Meta informed Sky Sports News that it was investigating racist comments made to Semenyo via Instagram.
According to the data, the platform removes illegal content and blocks the accounts of violators.
Premier League chief comments on fight against racism
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said any display of discrimination in the stands would result in immediate removal from the stadium, a lifetime ban and possible criminal prosecution.
“No player in the league should have to deal with this on the pitch or in the digital space. We need to continue to highlight this,” Masters told BBC Sport on August 16.
“This is a social problem that is permeating football. This is unacceptable, neither in arenas nor on the internet.”
“These cases force managers, including myself, to look for additional methods to prevent such incidents.”
“If the fact of discriminatory actions is confirmed, you will be expelled from the stadium, banned from attending, and held accountable under the law.”
Commenting on the potential deterrent effect of publishing details of the Semenyo case, Masters added: “I'd like to believe so.”
“I remain optimistic, but the lack of change will show that the measures taken are insufficient. I hope the situation will change for the better.”
Sourse: skysports.com
