(Credit: Imago)

Oliver Walton

Sat 16 August 2025 13:45, UK

Antoine Semenyo has taken to social media to pen an emotional message after he reported alleged racial abuse from the stands in Bournemouth’s season opener against Liverpool on Friday (15 August).

Virgil van Dijk stands with Antoine Semenyo as Liverpool captain blasts alleged racism - 'Disgrace'	Liverpool statement on racism allegation as Antoine Semenyo's teammate speaks out	Nearby Liverpool fan has explained Antoine Semenyo racism incident

The first game of the new Premier League season was marred by the events that saw the Ghanaian international report a comment from a fan to referee Anthony Taylor in the 30th minute.

Taylor spoke to team captains Adam Smith and Virgil van Dijk, as well as the fourth official and both managers, before play resumed, and the Cherries remained resolute despite going two goals down before the hour mark.

(Credit: Imago)

It was fitting that Semenyo was the man who dragged them back into the game in the second-half, as he netted a superb brace to give his side hope of a famous point at Anfield, but the hosts fought back to eventually win 4-2.

Merseyside Police confirmed following the clash that a a 47-year-old man had been ejected from Anfield following a report of racist abuse directed towards Semenyo, with a full investigation into the incident now underway.

Semenyo was Bournemouth’s best player against Liverpool, as he commendably did not let any abuse get to him and shone throughout.

The 25-year-old did not make a public comment in the immediate aftermath of the game, but took to Instagram (Saturday, 16 August) to issue a heartfelt statement on his feelings towards the situation, with thanks to those that have supported him, saying: “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.

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“To my (AFCB) 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.

“This is why I play – for moments like these, for my teammates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.

The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport.

We keep moving forward, together.”

His message received overwhelming support from numerous players throughout the game, with Liverpool skipper Van Dijk commenting raised-hands and fist-bump emojis, while Jeremie Frimpong replied with praying hands and fist-bump emojis, Dominic Solanke said: “Big from you bro,” and Max Aarons added: “With you brother.”

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Football Insider verdict

It remains to be seen what comes of Semenyo’s report of racial abuse at Anfield, but the message must remain that such comments have no place in the game, or any walk of life for that matter.

The Ghanaian international will no doubt want to move on as quickly as is possible from the event, while still raising awareness and making sure it does not happen again, and he look set to be one of Iraola’s main men once again this term after an electric start on Merseyside.

AppearancesGoalsAssists902410Semenyo’s Bournemouth career stats

He enjoyed a breakout 2024/25 season, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists across 42 appearances in all competitions, and the Cherries will need him to keep improving this time around following a tough summer window.

Semenyo recently signed a new contract at the Vitality Stadium [Bournemouth], which will serve as a huge boost to their chances of qualifying for Europe this season, and he may well be on track to being their Player of the Season if he can keep this kind of form up.

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