A Liverpool supporter has been banned from attending football matches across the United Kingdom after racially abusing Bournemouth and Ghana striker Antoine Semenyo during the Premier League opener at Anfield.
The incident took place in the 29th minute of Friday’s match when Semenyo alerted the referee to the abuse from the stands. Play was briefly halted before resuming, with the Ghana international responding in the best possible way by scoring twice, although Bournemouth ultimately fell 4-2 to Liverpool.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has since been released on conditional bail, which includes a ban from all regulated football matches in the UK and a restriction preventing him from going within one mile of any designated stadium.
Police further noted that investigations remain ongoing and they are working in partnership with Liverpool Football Club to gather all the facts surrounding the case.
In the aftermath, Semenyo took to social media to reflect on the night, describing it as unforgettable not because of the abuse, but because of the overwhelming solidarity he received. He praised his Bournemouth teammates, Liverpool players and fans, as well as the Premier League officials, for their swift and professional response.
The 24-year-old has since received widespread support from the global football community. The Ghana Football Association, FIFA, and several anti-discrimination organisations have condemned the abuse while commending Semenyo’s courage in addressing it publicly.
