Antoine Semenyo sends strong message to Liverpool after alleged racist abuse

Antoine Semenyo sends strong message to Liverpool after alleged racist abuse

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has spoken after being the target of alleged racist abuse from a Liverpool supporter at Anfield on Friday evening

Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has thanked Liverpool players and fans for their support after being the target of alleged racist abuse at Anfield. The Reds 4-2 win over the Cherries during the opening Premier League match on Friday evening was overshadowed by an incident during the first half when Semenyo complained of being abused by one Liverpool supporter as he prepared to take a throw-in.

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Referee Antony Taylor stopped the game for several minutes to explain the situation to Liverpool boss Arne Slot and his Bournemouth counterpart Andoni Iraola.

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Merseyside Police have subsequently opened an investigation after the fan in question was identified and escorted from the stadium at half-time by three police officers.

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And Semenyo - who went on to score twice in the game - has now taken to social media to thank those who offered their support in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

"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 said.

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"To my Bournemouth team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League 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.

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"The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together."

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