Some nights in football leave a mark that goes far beyond the final score. For Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, last night at Anfield was one of those moments.
In a game filled with emotion, he not only found the net twice but also captured the wider football world’s attention with his bravery and words. The match was briefly halted in the first half after Semenyo was subjected to racial abuse from a fan at Anfield Stadium on Friday night.
Semenyo shared a heartfelt message via his official X handle, reflecting on what transpired during the game last night and the response from players, fans, and officials alike. He said:
“Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.
To my @afcbournemouth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the @LiverpoolFC players and fans who showed their true character, to the @premierleague officials who handled it professionally – thank you. Football showed its best side when it mattered most.
Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play – for moments like these, for my teammates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.
The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together.”
Alongside the message, Semenyo also shared some images filled with emotions and meaning. See below:
Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of one person's words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.
— Antoine Semenyo (@semenyo924) August 16, 2025
To my @afcbournemouth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the @LiverpoolFC players and fans who showed their true… pic.twitter.com/6sNyv3vROK
Semenyo had to contend with a problematic incident during the first half when he informed the referees that he was getting abused by the stands, which prompted a short break. However, he got back with two goals, first netting in the 64th minute and a sensational solo goal later in the 78th minute.
Liverpool would win the game 4-2, with a last-minute strike from Federico Chiesa and later Mohamed Salah, yet the determination and self-confidence of Semenyo became the main takeaway.
For Semenyo, Anfield was not just the venue where he scored twice; it was the stage where football’s best qualities shone: solidarity, courage, and the enduring love for the beautiful game.
