By Kwame Bediako
Liverpool have banned a 47-year-old supporter from attending football matches across the United Kingdom following an incident of racial abuse directed at Bournemouth and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo during the Premier League opener at Anfield on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The abuse occurred in the 29th minute of the game, causing the match to be temporarily stopped as Semenyo alerted the referee. Despite the unfortunate incident, Semenyo went on to deliver a strong performance, scoring twice, though Bournemouth lost 4-2 to Liverpool.
Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 47-year-old Liverpool man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. The man was released on conditional bail, which includes a football banning order preventing him from attending any regulated football matches in the UK and barring him from coming within one mile of designated stadiums.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing, with close collaboration between authorities and Liverpool Football Club aimed at uncovering all relevant facts. The swift action taken by law enforcement and the football club highlighted the seriousness with which such incidents are treated in the Premier League and beyond.
Semenyo later took to social media to express that the night would not be remembered for the abuse but for the incredible solidarity he received from the football community. He extended gratitude toward his Bournemouth teammates, Liverpool players and fans, as well as Premier League officials for their prompt and professional response.
Support for Semenyo has poured in from across the footballing world, including the Ghana Football Association, FIFA, and numerous anti-discrimination organizations. These bodies condemned the racist behaviour and applauded Semenyo’s bravery in speaking out, reinforcing the collective commitment to combating racism in football.
