Liverpool's Premier League opener against Bournemouth was abandoned after 28 minutes after Antoine Semenyo was accused of making a racist comment; the 47-year-old was sent off at Anfield, Merseyside Police said.
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After being accused of making a racist remark towards Antoine Semenyo during Bournemouth's 4-2 defeat to Liverpool, Cherries captain Adam Smith said the incident was “completely unacceptable”.
Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man was sent off from Anfield following reports of racist abuse directed at Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo during their Premier League opener against Liverpool.
Police added that an investigation was launched after the man was identified and removed from the spectator area.
The match was stopped in the 28th minute after an alleged racist comment towards Semenyo.
Semenyo was also subjected to racist abuse on Instagram on Friday night, with the 25-year-old sharing some of it on his story with the caption: “When will this stop?”
Meta has told Sky Sports News it has launched an investigation, with the social network reportedly removing comments and blocking accounts that break its rules.
Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola were discussing the situation with referee Anthony Taylor when the incident at Anfield occurred which forced the game to be abandoned.
“I have been informed by the Premier League Match Centre that Antoine Semenyo has been the subject of racist comments from fans,” said Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury.
“Semyon himself also drew attention to this.”
Sky Sports' Laura Hunter, who was at the match at Anfield, later reported that one fan had been escorted out of the stadium.
“After the game was stopped following Semenyo's claim of racial abuse, Liverpool staff and police negotiated on the sidelines and at half-time.
“Just before the start of the second half, we saw one of the fans being taken away by the police.”
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith described the incident as “unacceptable”, while manager Iraola added: “It's a huge shame and there will be a lot of news about it. It's obviously still a big issue, not just in football.”
“On the Liverpool side, the identity of this person has been established.”
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The Bournemouth manager has spoken out against the racist abuse suffered by Antoine Semenyo at Anfield.
Liverpool condemn alleged incident, PL investigate
The Premier League said the incident would be “fully investigated”.
“Today's match between Liverpool Football Club and Bournemouth Football Club was temporarily suspended during the first half following reports of discriminatory abuse directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo from supporters. This is in line with the Premier League's anti-discrimination protocol on the pitch,” the Premier League said in a statement.
The incident at Anfield will be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our football or in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for all at our stadiums.
Liverpool said in a statement that they “condemn racism and discrimination in any form” and that they fully support the ongoing police investigation into the incident.
The Football Association said it was “extremely concerned” about the incident.
Sourse: skysports.com
