Arrest made after Antoine Semenyo reports racist abuse as Merseyside Police release statement

Merseyside Police have confirmed a man has been arrested after Antoine Semenyo reported racial abuse during Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday.

The Premier League fixture was temporarily halted on 29 minutes after Semenyo, 25, flagged the abuse to the referee, Anthony Taylor, who then consulted both managers, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola.

Following the match, during which Semenyo scored twice, the Ghana international released a statement thanking supporters for their support.

"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,” Semenyo wrote.

"To my Bournemouth teammates 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 ... we keep moving forward, together."

Merseyside Police confirmed that a Liverpool supporter was ejected from Anfield.

On Saturday afternoon, the force released a further statement confirming that a 47-year-old man from Liverpool had been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

"We have arrested a man following reports racist abuse was directed towards Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during his team’s Premier League fixture versus Liverpool at Anfield on Friday 15 August," the statement read.

ARREST | We've arrested a man, 47, from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after reports racist abuse was directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during their game against Liverpool on Friday 15 August.

Read more: https://t.co/Vv9ZxtrYyB pic.twitter.com/r8NNC1S1NM

— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) August 16, 2025

"The suspect’s identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground following the report.

"A 47-year-old man from Liverpool has today (Saturday 16 August) been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has been taken into custody to be interviewed.

"To report a hate crime contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."