Semenyo Suffers Second Racist Attack After Liverpool Match

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo reported an incident of alleged racism during the Premier League game against Liverpool and later shared more abuse he had received on social media

Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has highlighted the scale of racist abuse he has to put up with after the opening game of the Premier League was marred by the problem.

Liverpool’s 4-2 win over the Cherries on Friday night was halted in the first half after Semenyo reported that a supporter had said something to him. Liverpool later released a statement condemning the alleged actions while confirming that the police are now investigating.

Semenyo bravely played on and produced a remarkable performance, scoring twice in the second half as Bournemouth pegged the defending champions back at 2-2. But sadly the Ghana international also then received racist abuse on Instagram. Posting a screenshot of the comment, Semenyo wrote: “When will it stop.”

Bournemouth captain Adam Smith spoke passionately about the incident after the match. “Totally unacceptable. Kind of in shock it happened in this day and age. I don’t know how Ant has carried on playing and come up with his goals,” he told Sky Sports.

“He’s a little bit down. Something needs to be done. Taking a knee has taken no effect. We’ve supported him and hopefully he’ll be OK. I wanted him to react [after scoring], that’s what I’d have done. I’d have gone straight over there. It shows what kind of man he is to report it to the ref and carry on. Fair play to Ant.

“It’s more anger. Shocked. I said to the ref I wanted him removed immediately but the police went and sorted it. The Liverpool players were very supportive to Ant and the rest of the team. Just so angry.

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“We’ve had discussions with the Premier League about it so they have been taking it seriously. I don’t know what else we can do. We’ve been doing it for a long time now and no-one is getting it. I just feel sorry for Ant and he’s had to take that. The whole country is watching and it’s shocking.”

The incident came on an emotional night at Anfield in which Liverpool wanted the focus to be on honouring the late Diogo Jota. There was a moment’s silence before kick-off and the players dedicated the goals to their former team-mate, who tragically died in a car crash last month.

“It is obvious we do not want this in football. We definitely don’t want this at Anfield,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said. “Unfortunately, it is part of the story because we should talk about the great tribute for Diogo Jota. This should never happen in football, let alone Anfield.”

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola added: “Straight away Antoine and the referee told us. The person has been identified. It is a big shame these things keep happening. First game of the season, a lovely game of football and I have to speak about these things happening. A big shame.”

Mirror.co.uk