Liverpool FC has condemned racism after a 47-year-old man was arrested following an incident involving Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo during Friday’s match at Anfield.
Semenyo, who scored twice in the second half to help his team win 4-2, reported abuse aimed at him. The Merseyside police confirmed they arrested the suspect on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and he was removed from the stadium.
The Premier League has launched an investigation into the incident, which also sparked a brief halt in the game during the first half. Liverpool FC released a statement saying: “We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football.”
Captain Virgil van Dijk spoke out against the abuse, calling it a “disgrace” and stating that football must continue to educate the next generation about racism.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of support for Semenyo on social media, with many praising his bravery in speaking out. Semenyo thanked the “football family” for their support and said the abuse had a profound impact on him, but that it also reminded him why he loves playing football – to bring people together.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of racism in football and the need for greater efforts to educate and change attitudes towards this problem.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45992778/bournemouth-antoine-semenyo-thanks-football-family-support-racist-abuse