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Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025, was temporarily halted in the 29th minute after Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo reported receiving racist abuse from a spectator in the stands. The incident occurred as Semenyo prepared to take one of his characteristic long throw-ins and appeared to engage with someone in the crowd before alerting the referee, Anthony Taylor.

Following Semenyo's report, Taylor stopped the game and consulted with both teams' managers, Arne Slot (Liverpool) and Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), as well as with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who spoke with Semenyo during the stoppage. The match was paused for approximately three minutes in accordance with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol.

The Premier League issued a statement confirming the temporary suspension of the match due to a report of discriminatory abuse directed at Semenyo and announced that a full investigation would be conducted. The league reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring stadiums remain inclusive and welcoming environments and declared that "racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society."

After the brief pause, the match resumed, with Liverpool going on to take the lead late in the first half through Hugo Ekitiké. According to Premier League protocol, if further incidents arise, the game could face longer stoppages of up to 15 minutes. The incident at Anfield highlights ongoing challenges in combating racism in football, despite efforts to promote anti-discrimination initiatives within the sport.

PP