“When will it stop?” – League opener halted as Semenyo reports racism

The Premier League’s curtain-raiser between Liverpool and Bournemouth was briefly halted on Friday after Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a member of the Anfield crowd.

Referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute, with both managers and captains called to the touchline before the game resumed four minutes later. Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man was ejected from the stadium and that investigations are ongoing.

Semenyo, who later struck twice in the second half to bring Bournemouth level, took to Instagram after the match, posting further racist abuse he had received online with the caption: “When will it stop?” Meta, Instagram’s parent company, said it is reviewing the posts and pledged action against offending accounts.

Bournemouth captain Adam Smith admitted he was “shocked” and described the incident as “totally unacceptable,” adding: “I don’t know how Ant carried on and still scored those goals. It shows his character.”

Both clubs and the Premier League issued statements condemning racism, with Liverpool stressing that they will cooperate fully with the police investigation. Reds boss Arne Slot echoed the club’s stance, saying: “We don’t want this in football, especially not at Anfield. It takes the shine off a great atmosphere.”

The Football Association said it is “very concerned” and will work with authorities to ensure appropriate action. An anti-discrimination message was read to the crowd at half-time.

Anti-racism body Kick It Out expressed solidarity with Semenyo, warning that racism remains a weekly issue for Black players. “We can’t praise him enough for his courage in calling it out and then going on to score twice,” the charity stated.

The incident follows recent cases of abuse aimed at Tottenham’s Mathys Tel and England defender Jess Carter, underlining that racism continues to cast a shadow over the game despite ongoing campaigns and protocols.

Liverpool eventually won the match 4-2, but the night was overshadowed by yet another reminder of football’s struggle against discrimination.