Liverpool vs. Bournemouth match marred by discriminatory abuse complaint
The Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield was halted for three minutes in the first half due to alleged discriminatory behavior by a fan towards Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.
Referee Anthony Taylor approached the rival coaches, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, to inform them about the incident, which was reported by Semenyo, an international player from Ghana.
“Tonight’s match between Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily halted during the first half following a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo,” the Premier League communicated.
Premier League
In a statement, the Premier League confirmed that a full investigation will be carried out.
“This is in line with the Premier League’s anti-discrimination protocol on the field. The incident at Anfield will now be thoroughly investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society.”
“We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure that our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola stated after the match that the fan accused of making the racist comment had been identified.
“The person has been identified and it is obviously a great shame that these things continue to happen,” said Iraola.
Andoni Iraola
“The first Premier League match, everyone watching, it’s a lovely football game and we still have to talk about these things today. I think it’s really a great shame.”After the incident, Semenyo scored two goals in the second half to help Bournemouth come back from two goals down at Anfield, before Liverpool eventually won the match 4-2.
Adam Smith, from Bournemouth, commented that the situation was unacceptable. “It shouldn’t be happening. I don’t know how Ant has kept playing to be honest and has scored those goals. It’s totally unacceptable.”
«Something must be done. Kneeling isn’t having any effect. We are supporting him and hope he is well.»
Liverpool issued a statement in which it stated that it was “aware of a report of racist abuse made during our Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth.”
“We condemn racism and discrimination in all its forms, it has no place in society or in football,” added the club.
“He is being investigated by the police now,” added Liverpool coach Arne Slot. “The club’s statement made it very clear how we feel about it. It’s good that we talk about it because it is unacceptable in any football stadium, not to mention Anfield.”
“I spoke with him after the match and told him that we will try to do everything possible to find that person and I think they have already found them, so that’s good. Where we can help him, we will try to do so.”
The Football Association (FA) said it was “concerned” about the racism complaint against Semenyo and would ensure that “appropriate measures” were taken.
A statement from the FA said: “We are very concerned about the report of discrimination from an area of the crowd, which was reported to the match officials during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth.”
«Incidents of this nature have no place in our game and we will work closely with the match officials, clubs and relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken.»
