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Referee Anthony Taylor in discussion with Liverpool players and manager Arne Slot after AFC Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse from the crowd

Merseyside Police have issued a statement following reports that Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo was racially abused during the club's game against Bournemough.

In a statement released late on Friday, Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm a 47-year-old man has been ejected from Anfield Stadium following reports of racist abuse directed towards the Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo at this evening's opening game of the season between Liverpool and Bournemouth.

An investigation is underway after the man's identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton the match commander for the Liverpool v Bournemouth 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, so we can take the necessary action like we did this evening.

"As with all matches, we work very closely with both Liverpool and Everton FC to ensure the safety of the public , and the players.”

A spokesperson for Liverpool Football Club, said: "Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth.

"We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football.

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"The club is unable to comment further as tonight's alleged is incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully."

Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 2-2 with team-mates Marcus Tavernier and David Brooks during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England

The Reds kicked off the defence of their Premier League title with a 4-2 victory at Anfield.

But the first half saw Semenyo allege to referee Anthony Taylor that he was racially abused while attempting to take a throw-in near the Main Stand.

The official paused the game to gather Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola pitchside to update them on the situation.

And the Reds have now published a statement condemning the alleged abuse at Semenyo, who went on to score both goals for the visitors on the night.

The Liverpool statement read: “Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth.

“We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football.

“The club is unable to comment further as tonight’s alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.”

Posting on X on Friday evening as the match was ongoing, the Premier League Match Centre said: “Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo.

“This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol.
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