Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Image Credits: Imago

Anfield’s opening Premier League fixture on Friday night was overshadowed by a shocking incident that has prompted swift police and football authorities’ action.

In the 29th minute of Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, striker Antoine Semenyo halted play after reporting racist abuse from a spectator in the crowd.

Referee Anthony Taylor immediately paused the match and the suspect was ejected, with an anti-discrimination message broadcast to the capacity crowd.

Midway through the game’s narrative – where Semenyo would later fire home two goals to briefly revive Bournemouth’s hopes – it emerged that Merseyside Police had arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian international reflected on social media that the incident “will stay with me forever—not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.”

He thanked his Bournemouth teammates for their support, Liverpool players and fans for demonstrating their “true character,” and Premier League officials for their professionalism.

Now the BBC has reported that the suspected offender has now received a ban from all football stadiums in the UK.

The ban prohibits him from attending any regulated football match in the UK and from coming within one mile of any designated football stadium.

It was part of the conditions for his bail.

The police stated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and that they are cooperating closely with Liverpool Football Club.

Liverpool Football Club also condemned the abuse: “We denounce racism and discrimination in all its forms; there is no place for it in football or society,” read a statement

Captain Virgil van Dijk described the incident as “a disgrace”.

The Premier League has launched its own investigation under the on-field anti-discrimination protocol, pledging full support to both clubs and the player involved.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone