The Premier League opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield was halted in the first half after Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused from the crowd.

Referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute as Liverpool prepared to take a corner, summoning both managers, Arne Sloth and Andoni Iraola, to the touchline.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Bournemouth skipper Adam Smith were also called over to be briefed on the incident before the match resumed four minutes later with the score still 0-0.

An anti-discrimination message was later read out inside Anfield at half-time.

Despite the abuse, 25-year-old Semenyo responded on the pitch with remarkable resilience, scoring twice in a 12-minute spell after the break to bring Bournemouth level at 2-2. However, reigning champions Liverpool struck late through Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to secure a 4-2 victory.

The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the incident in a statement on X (formerly Twitter):

“Tonight’s match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

This is in line with the Premier League’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol.

The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs.
Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”

The episode adds to a troubling run of recent incidents in football. Just days earlier, Tottenham forward Mathys Tel was racially abused on social media following Spurs’ Super Cup penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

England defender Jess Carter also faced abuse during Euro 2025, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka were subjected to similar treatment after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final.

Authorities and both clubs have pledged their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.