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Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has described the solidarity he received after alleged racist abuse at Anfield as proof that football can unite when it matters most.
Antoine Semenyo, a 25-year-old Ghana international, was targeted during the first half of Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on Friday. Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man was removed from the stadium and that an investigation has been opened.
Semenyo, who scored twice in the match, later shared screenshots of further racist abuse on Instagram, writing: “When will it stop?”
In a follow-up post on Saturday, the striker reflected on the incident, saying the response from across the football community would stay with him.
“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 wrote.
“To my Bournemouth team-mates who supported me at 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.”
Semenyo added that his two goals were the most powerful reply to hate: “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 teammates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk condemned the incident as “a disgrace,” urging football authorities and campaigners to push harder in the fight against racism.
“The only thing we can do is deal with it by dealing with him personally and try to educate the next generation,” Van Dijk said. “That is the only way to try and kick it out, in my opinion. I can’t believe it. These things shouldn’t happen, but unfortunately, it does, and it is an absolute disgrace in my eyes.”
The Premier League confirmed it is reviewing the matter and has pledged support to both clubs and Semenyo. Social media giant Meta, owner of Instagram, also announced it is investigating the online abuse directed at the player and will take action against accounts found guilty of violations.
The post Antoine Semenyo Speaks After Racist Abuse At Anfield appeared first on Naija News.
