Liverpool have released a short official statement after the Premier League opener against Bournemouth was marred by alleged racist abuse towards the visitors’ winger Antoine Semenyo.
The first half saw Semenyo allege to referee Anthony Taylor that he was abused while attempting to take a throw-in near the Main Stand. The official paused the game to gather Liverpool head coach Slot and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola pitchside to update them on the situation.
Liverpool and Bournemouth captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith were then called over to the benches to be briefed before the match resumed four minutes later, while the score was goalless.
Softfootball understood that a 47-year-old man was removed from the ground, and an investigation was under way after his identity was confirmed following reports of racist abuse directed towards Bournemouth winger.
Semenyo responded brilliantly with both Bournemouth goals as they came from two down as Iraola’s side exposed the same defensive weaknesses Crystal Palace did in Sunday’s Community Shield victory before the reigning champions struck late twice to win 4-2.
Liverpool released a statement condemning the alleged abuse, and confirming they are supporting a police investigation into the allegations as seen on the club official website. The statement read:
“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 Anfield incident took place two days after Tottenham Hotspur summer signing Mathys Tel was racially abused following his miss in their Uefa Super Cup penalty-shoot-out defeat against Paris St-Germain.
