Antoine Semenyo: Premier League star breaks silence after accusing fan of racial abuse during match

A Bournemouth player who was allegedly subject to racial abuse during the opening Premier League match of the season has thanked fans for their support.

Antoine Semenyo had accused a spectator of making unacceptable remarks during the 29th minute of the game against Liverpool - and a man was later ejected from Anfield.

On X, the winger - who scored two goals during the match - said the messages he has received were "overwhelming", and a reminder of why he loves the sport.

He wrote: "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 Bournemouth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League officials who handled it professionally - thank you.

"Football showed its best side when it mattered most ... we keep moving forward, together."

Following the incident, an anti-discrimination message was read out to the crowd, and it is understood that police officers went into the referee's room at half-time.

Merseyside Police said an investigation is under way after the 47-year-old man's identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, the match commander for the game, said: "Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form.

"We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible."

He added: "There is no place for racism and it is vital that anyone who witnesses such an offence reports it to stewards, or the police immediately."

A spokesperson for Liverpool said: "We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football."

Semenyo scored twice in the second half to help bring Bournemouth back from two goals down at Anfield before Liverpool went on to eventually win the contest 4-2.

Bournemouth captain Adam Smith told Sky Sports News afterwards: "It shouldn't be happening. I don't know how Ant's played on to be honest and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable.

"Something needs to be done. Taking the knee isn't having an effect. We're supporting him and hopefully he'll be okay.

"I wanted him to react because that's what I would have done, but this shows what type of man he is ... to come up with those goals showed the type of guy he is.

"To be fair the Liverpool players were very supportive as well towards Antoine and the rest of the team. It was handled in the right way but ... so angry.

"I don't know what else we can do. No one's getting it. I don't know what to say anymore. I just feel for Ant ... shocking."

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The Premier League said in a statement that its "on-field anti-discrimination protocol" had been followed and the incident "will now be fully investigated".

"We offer our full support to the player and both clubs," it added. "Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all."

The Football Association said it was "concerned" about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure "appropriate action" would be taken.

The incident comes two days after Tottenham Hotspur player Mathys Tel faced racist abuse online following a missed penalty in his team's UEFA Super Cup victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

(c) Sky News 2025: Antoine Semenyo: Premier League star breaks silence after accusing fan of racial abuse during match