Credit: X
The Premier League 2025-26 season opener ended in a 4-2 victory for Liverpool against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, August 15. It appeared to be a high tension game when Bournemouth were trailing 0-2. But, in a remarkable performance from their forward Antoine Semenyo, he scored two goals to equal the scoreline 2-2 before Liverpool clinched it in the end through a couple of late goals.
The game was marred by an incident of an alleged racist comment directed at Antoine Semenyo from the crowd, which was reported by him to referee Anthony Taylor, who paused the game for three minutes. Following the protocol, Taylor consulted Liverpool and Bournemouth's managers Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola apart from their captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith respectively.
On the very next day, Antoine Semenyo praised the football community on his official X account for its solidarity following an alleged racist abuse incident during the Premier League season opener against Liverpool at Anfield on Friday, August 15, 2025. Merseyside Police have since launched an investigation, reportedly confirming that a 47-year-old man was ejected from the stadium.
Semenyo, who scored twice in the second half despite the ordeal, described the response from players, officials, and fans as showing “football’s best side when it mattered most” on X. Speaking after the match, he had expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating, “The football family stood together.” An anti-discrimination message was broadcast to the 62,000-strong Anfield crowd, and police officers visited the referee’s room at halftime to address the situation.
Racism has no place in our game: Premier League says in support of Antoine Semenyo
The Premier League issued a statement affirming that the match was paused in line with its anti-discrimination protocol and pledged a full investigation, adding, “Racism has no place in our game or anywhere in society. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs.” Liverpool condemned the abuse, stating, “We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football”, and committed to supporting the ongoing police investigation.
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith reportedly echoed the sentiment of support to Antoine Semenyo and said, “The Liverpool players were very supportive towards Antoine and the rest of the team. It was handled in the right way, but I’m just so angry.”
Bournemouth’s head coach, Andoni Iraola, lamented the incident saying, “It’s a big shame we have to start talking about these things. The first game of the Premier League, a lovely game of football, and we have to discuss this.” He also praised Semenyo’s mental strength, noting the difficulty of performing under such circumstances.
