Semenyo is a player of Bournemouth
Bournemouth forward, Antoine Semenyo, has broken his silence after being subjected to racist abuse during his side’s Premier League opener against Liverpool at Anfield, on Friday August 15, 2025.
The match was paused in the 28th minute when a 47-year-old man allegedly aimed a racist comment at the Ghanaian international as he prepared to take a throw-in.
The individual, who was seen gesturing towards Semenyo, was quickly identified and ejected from the stadium.
Merseyside Police confirmed that an investigation is underway.
The incident followed further abuse on social media, with Semenyo sharing vile Instagram messages on Friday, August 15, alongside the caption: “When will it stop?”
Meta has since confirmed it is investigating and is removing comments while disabling the offending accounts.
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Semenyo released a statement reflecting on the events.
“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,” he wrote.
He went on to thank his Bournemouth teammates, Liverpool’s players and supporters, as well as Premier League officials for their response.
“Football showed its best side when it mattered most,” he said.
Semenyo, who scored twice in the game, added;
“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.”
He closed with a message of unity.
“The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together,” he added.
FKA/AE
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