(Credit: Sky Sports)

Ben Palmer

Fri 15 August 2025 21:55, UK

Antoine Semenyo was subjected to alleged racial abuse from a Liverpool fan who will be banned from Anfield and arrested, according to Keith Hackett.

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The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he was impressed by Anthony Taylor’s handling of the incident.

Arne Slot’s side began their Premier League title defence at home on Friday, 15 August at 8.00 pm against Bournemouth.

Anthony Taylor immediately spoke to both managers after the incident occurred.

(Credit: Sky Sports)

The two sides have both had busy summers, and one of Liverpool’s new striker Hugo Ekitike was the man to break the deadlock, sweeping home in the 37th minute from close range.

However, the Frenchman’s Premier League debut goal was marred by an ugly incident that took place 10 minutes beforehand.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

With just under half an hour gone, Semenyo prepared to launch a long throw into the Liverpool box.

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However, the Ghana international hesitated, as a fan from the crowd approached the edge of the pitch, appear to be gesticulating at the winger.

Semenyo turned to listen to what the supporter had to say before turning back and taking the throw-in.

Antoine Semenyo was the subject of abuse from a Liverpool fan.

(Credit: Sky Sports)

The game was then halted moments later after the 25-year-old had spoken to Taylor, and the referee approached both managers to inform them of what had happened, with the Sky Sports coverage subsequently reporting from the Premier League Match Centre that Semenyo had said he’d been racially abused.

Ground controllers were also involved in the conversations, and the direction from where the abuse had taken place was pointed out.

Semenyo looked dejected as he made his way off the pitch at half-time, and was comforted by his teammates, Liverpool players, and Taylor.

Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett praised Taylor for his quick and decisive handling of the incident.

The ex-referee then revealed that the perpetrator was likely to face a ban from Anfield and would also be dealt with by the police.

Hackett said: “I suggest that this incident will be investigated, and I applaud how efficiently it was dealt with by the match officials.

“Referee Anthony Taylor informed both managers and also the ground controller [when the incident happened].

Antoine Semenyo was comforted by his teammates at half-time.