Man arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Semenyo banned from UK stadiums
A 47-year-old man has been banned from attending football matches across the United Kingdom after being arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo during Bournemouth’s opening Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Friday.
The game was briefly halted in the first half when Semenyo reported the incident to the referee. Merseyside Police confirmed on Monday that the suspect, a Liverpool resident, was arrested the following day on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
He has since been released on bail with strict conditions, including a ban from attending any regulated football matches in the UK and a restriction preventing him from coming within a mile of any stadium. Police say investigations are ongoing.
Semenyo’s Resilience on the Pitch
Despite the distressing incident, Semenyo responded in the best way possible—on the field. The 25-year-old forward scored twice as Bournemouth staged a spirited comeback from 2-0 down, although Liverpool eventually secured a 4-2 victory.
In a statement shared on social media, Semenyo reflected on the emotional night, praising the solidarity shown across football.
“The night at Anfield will stay with me forever because of how the entire football family stood together,” he wrote. “Football showed its best side when it mattered most. I want to thank my team-mates, Liverpool players and fans, as well as the Premier League officials who handled the situation professionally.”
Zero Tolerance for Racism
The Premier League, PFA, and Kick It Out have all reiterated their stance against discrimination in football, pledging continued support for Semenyo and calling for tougher punishments for offenders.
The swift action by police and football authorities adds to ongoing efforts to ensure stadiums remain safe, inclusive spaces for players and supporters alike.
Source – My News Ghana
