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Bournemouth captain Adam Smith has spoken of his “shock” and “anger” after teammate Antoine Semenyo was subjected to racist abuse during Friday’s Premier League season opener at Anfield.
Liverpool began their title defence with a 4-2 victory thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, but the match was overshadowed by the abuse aimed at Semenyo from a supporter in the Main Stand.
Referee Anthony Taylor briefly stopped the game after Semenyo reported the incident. Taylor consulted both managers, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, alongside fourth official Farai Hallam before play resumed. A man in a wheelchair was later escorted from the stadium by police, who also visited the officials’ dressing room at half-time. Merseyside Police confirmed an investigation is under way, while Liverpool said they were fully co-operating.
Despite the incident, Semenyo responded with two goals in the second half to pull Bournemouth level, before Chiesa and Salah struck late to secure the points for the hosts.
Bournemouth boss Iraola said the incident was discussed with both managers on the touchline. “The referee explained to both managers straight away the situation. It is a big shame we have to start talking about these things. The Liverpool manager and the players, they feel it the same. Everyone understands that these things have to be out of everywhere but especially football."
“Now we have to go again to talk to the police and the officials. I think for sure he [Semenyo] will have it in his head [now] and it shouldn’t be like this.”
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expressed his dismay. “It is obvious we do not want this in football. We definitely don’t want this at Anfield. 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.”
In a statement, Liverpool said: “Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth. We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football. The club is unable to comment further as tonight’s alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.”
Iraola added that Semenyo had been visibly affected. “It’s a shame that in the first game of the Premier League season, with two teams playing a really good game, we have to be talking about something that should be in the past but is not in the past. It is something that is still a big problem. Antoine was calm in the heat of the moment. We asked him if he could continue and he was composed but he is asking why these things are happening today? It is a shame.”
Featured Image Credit: X / @afcbournemouth, Pexels / Tembela Bohle
