The individual accused of racially abusing Bournemouth’s star player, Antoine Semenyo, at Anfield has been slapped with a ban from all football stadiums. The shocking incident involving the Cherries forward occurred on the opening day of the season.
During the 29th minute of Bournemouth’s match against Liverpool, play was temporarily stopped after Semenyo reported the incident to the referee. A 47-year-old man was arrested on Saturday and Merseyside Police have confirmed that he has been released on bail and banned from all UK football grounds while an investigation is underway.
A statement issued on Monday read: “We can confirm that a man has been conditionally bailed after he was arrested following reports that racist abuse was directed towards Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo.
“A 47-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on Saturday 16 August on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has now been bailed with conditions, which includes not to attend any regulated football match in the UK and not to go within one mile of a designated football stadium.
“An investigation into the incident, which occurred during a Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday 15 August, remains ongoing and we continue to work closely with the club.”
Semenyo, who netted twice to draw Bournemouth level before Liverpool clinched victory with two late goals, issued a heartfelt statement following the incident.
He declared: “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.
“To my @afcb team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the @liverpoolfc players and fans who showed their true character, to the @premierleague officials who handled it professionally – thank you. Football showed its best side when it mattered most.
“Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play – for moments like these, for my team-mates, 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.”
Semenyo and Bournemouth return to action this weekend when they face Wolves at the Vitality Stadium.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s upcoming fixture sees them travel to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
