FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned racist abuse directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during a Premier League match against Liverpool, saying the world soccer governing body would reach out to the Ghana international to offer their support. Semenyo was targeted by a man in the crowd at Liverpool's Anfield Stadium during the first half on Friday, with referee Anthony Taylor stopping play to address the incident. Taylor spoke to both managers and captains before play resumed.
Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man had been ejected from Anfield.
On Saturday, they confirmed the man from Liverpool had been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and taken into custody to be interviewed.
On Saturday, Semenyo thanked his teammates, Liverpool, match officials and the "entire football family" for their support.
"Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination — Antoine's courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide," Infantino said in a statement.
"The Players' Voice Panel, established as part of the five pillars against racism adopted by FIFA Congress in 2024, will be in touch with Antoine and is monitoring these situations closely.
"We are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organisers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action." Semenyo revealed that he had been racially abused online after the game. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters also issued a warning on Saturday that anyone guilty of racist abuse would be banned from stadiums and could face prosecution.
Semenyo says alleged racist abuse at Liverpool 'will stay with me forever'
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo said on Saturday the racist abuse he alleges was directed at him by a Liverpool fan at Anfield "will stay with me forever".
But the Ghanian international added that the incident during the Premier League season opener on Friday had also shown football's "best side when it mattered most".
Play was halted after Semenyo reported he was abused by someone in the crowd during the first half of Liverpool's 4-2 win.
Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and has been taken into custody.
Semenyo, 25, went on to score twice as Bournemouth came back from 2-0 down but Liverpool scored two late goals to seal the win.
"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," Semenyo said on social media.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ