A 47-year-old man has been arrested after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused during his side’s Premier League clash with Liverpool on Friday evening.
Merseyside Police confirmed that the man, from Liverpool, was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has been taken into custody for questioning.
The incident occurred in the 29th minute of the match at Anfield, when Semenyo reported the abuse to the referee, Anthony Taylor. Play was temporarily halted, and a 47-year-old suspect was removed from the stadium.
Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, who oversaw policing for the Liverpool v Bournemouth fixture, said that the force takes a zero-tolerance approach to racism and hate crime. He emphasised that anyone found guilty of such offences could face football banning orders in partnership with clubs.
The incident has sparked further calls for stronger measures against racism in football. Liverpool Football Club released a statement confirming it was aware of the allegation and reaffirming its stance against discrimination, stating that racism has no place in football or wider society.
Referee Anthony Taylor was seen discussing the situation with Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola following the incident.
The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about tackling racism in English football, with both the Premier League and police forces under pressure to ensure players and fans are protected from abuse.
