The Premier League opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth was brought to a halt midway through the first half after Cherries winger Antoine Semenyo was reportedly subjected to racist abuse from the stands. The Friday night clash got off to a topsy-turvy start, with both sides creating good chances and Liverpool feeling aggrieved after Marcos Senesi avoided a red card for a handball while Hugo Ekitike broke through on goal.
The Frenchman would then go on to give the hosts the lead on his Premier League debut, but the goal came minutes after the game was stopped, with it being confirmed by the Premier League Match Centre that this was due to abuse directed at Semenyo.
The Premier League opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth was brought to a halt midway through the first half after Cherries winger Antoine Semenyo was reportedly subjected to racist abuse from the stands. The Friday night clash got off to a topsy-turvy start, with both sides creating good chances and Liverpool feeling aggrieved after Marcos Senesi avoided a red card for a handball while Hugo Ekitike broke through on goal.
The Frenchman would then go on to give the hosts the lead on his Premier League debut, but the goal came minutes after the game was stopped, with it being confirmed by the Premier League Match Centre that this was due to abuse directed at Semenyo.
Drury Confirms Racist Incident on Commentary
Just before the half-hour mark, referee Anthony Taylor stopped play and made his way over to the touchline to speak with the respective managers, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola. While the teams took the opportunity to have a drinks break during the pause in play, it became apparent that an incident in the crowd had taken place, with security also involved in the discussion.
Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports, Peter Drury confirmed that the reason the game was halted was due to an alleged racist incident aimed at Semenyo.
“I am told by the Premier League match centre that Antoine Semenyo was subjected to a racist comment by a member of the crowd.”
It was also added that it was Semenyo himself who had made Taylor aware of the comments, but appeared happy to continue as the game would resume moments later.
As of yet, there has been no official comment from the Premier League regarding what took place.
At half-time, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both commented on the incident, saying that it ruined what should’ve been a beautiful start to a new campaign and the pre-match tribute to Diogo Jota.
“It overshadows what should be a great night. That boy has been racially abused and had to go over to a referee and tell him,” stated Neville, before adding: “It’s despicable. It’s happened and it will keep happening. It’s a sorry state.”
Carragher added: “You could see everyone getting together not quite sure what’s going on. You think of what’s going on with all the campaigns to kick racism out all across the world. It’s shocking to see an incident like that.”