Bournemouth star winger Antoine Semenyo reported racial abuse during the first half of the Cherries’ season-opening clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
Premier League Match Centre released the following statement after the game:
“Tonight’s match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during teh 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. The incident will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism as hno place in our game, or anywhere in society. ”
The incident appeared to happen when the Ghana international was prepared to make one of his signature long throw-ins. Semenyo got very close to the stands as he prepared to propel himself into the throw-in and seemed to acknowledge someone from the crowd.
Semenyo immediately notified match referee Anthony Taylor about the incident, and the game was promptly halted in the 29th minute, as per Premier League protocol. Taylor was seen speaking with both Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola during the stoppage, as well as Semenyo speaking with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
If the situation was to occur again, the game could be paused for 15 minutes, according to protocol.
The game resumed after a brief pause and Liverpool would eventually take the lead late in the first half through Hugo Ekitiké.
This is a developing story, follow every minute of the match here.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Antoine Semenyo Reports Racist Abuse As Liverpool Match Temporarily Halted, Premier League Statement Issued.
