Antoine Semenyo: Merseyside Police release Liverpool fan accused of racist abuse

Merseyside Police have confirmed the release of a Liverpool supporter who was arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during Friday’s Premier League clash at Anfield.

The incident occurred in the first half as Semenyo prepared to take a throw-in near the Main Stand. The forward immediately reported the abuse to the referee, who briefly stopped play to discuss the situation with Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

In an official statement, Merseyside Police said:

“We can confirm that a man has been conditionally bailed after he was arrested following reports that racist abuse was directed towards Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo.
A 47-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on Saturday 16 August on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has now been bailed with conditions, which includes not to attend any regulated football match in the UK and not to go within one mile of a designated football stadium.
An investigation into the incident, which occurred during a Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday 15 August, remains ongoing and we continue to work closely with the club.”

Liverpool won the match 4–2, but the incident overshadowed parts of the evening as authorities reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on racism inside football stadiums.