Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Bournemouth was overshadowed by a former supporter allegedly throwing racial abuse at Antoine Semenyo, and Merseyside Police have now revealed that a man has been conditionally bailed after being detained the day after the match.
Play was momentarily halted in the 29th minute of the 2025/26 Premier League opener after Semenyo complained to referee Anthony Taylor, who then consulted with Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola about why a stoppage in play was required.
An anti-discrimination message was shown on Sky Sports’ coverage of the match, and it is understood that police entered the referee’s room at half-time to address what had occurred just before the half-hour mark. Speaking on commentary, Peter Drury said:
“I am told by the Premier League Match Centre than Antoine Semenyo was subjected to a racist comment by a member of the crowd.”
Merseyside Police Issue Statement Following Semenyo Racial Abuse.
The day after Liverpool’s six-goal thriller, in which Semenyo, 25, gave the Cherries a glimmer of hope with a brace, officials said that a man had been arrested after being identified and expelled from his seat at Anfield.
Later, a fan who claimed to have been nearby during the incident recounted what happened in the Premier League opener. Merseyside Police have now confirmed that he has been released on bail with conditions following a thorough investigation.
Watch Semenyo’s brace of goals against Liverpool:
Merseyside Police issued an update: “We can confirm that a man has been conditionally bailed after he was arrested following reports of racist abuse directed towards Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo.”
The 47-year-old Liverpool resident, who remains anonymous at this time, has been told not to go within a mile of any football stadium. After getting bailed, he was ordered to avoid matches.
“On Saturday, August 16, a 47-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order. He has now been released on bail with terms that include not attending any regulated football match in the UK and not going within one mile of a designated football stadium.”
They continued by stating that the force and Liverpool continue to collaborate: “An investigation into the incident, which occurred during a Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, 15 August, remains ongoing, and we continue to work closely with the club.”
Newcastle United linked Semenyo, whose bravery in scoring two goals following the alleged racial insults is admirable, took to social media to thank the football community for its support. The Ghanaian player added: “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.”
“Thank you to my Bournemouth teammates who stood by me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who demonstrated their real character, and to the Premier League officials who handled the situation professionally. When it counted the most, football showed its best side.
He went on: “Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that actually matters on the pitch. This is why I play: for these moments, for my teammates, and for everyone who believes in the potential of this beautiful game. The outpouring of support from throughout the football globe reminds me why I adore this sport. “We keep moving forward together.”
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