World Football governing body (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during Friday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
Referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the first half when Semenyo reported that he had been racially abused by a member of the crowd.
And it was the Ghana internatinal who put Bournemouth back in contention when he pulled a goal back from close range after 64 minutes, before crowning a swift break with the equaliser 14 minutes from time.
Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man from Liverpool was identified and removed from Anfield before being arrested on Saturday, August 16 on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and taken into custody for questioning
"It is absolutely unacceptable to see the racist abuse aimed at AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo which led to a stoppage of their Premier League match against Liverpool FC at Anfield...,” said Infantino.
"Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination – Antoine’s courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide.”
Infatino said that the Players’ Voice Panel, established as part of the five pillars against racism adopted by FIFA Congress in 2024, will be in touch with Semenyo, revealing that it is monitoring these situations closely.
"We are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organisers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action.”
"Everyone at FIFA, The Players’ Voice Panel and the whole football community stands firmly with Antoine and we will continue to offer our unequivocal support to him, Bournemouth, the Premier League and The FA to ensure strong deterrents are in place, and actions taken, to eradicate racism and discrimination from our game,” he said.
The Premier League says it is investigating the incident and has offered its support to Semenyo and both clubs.
Instagram's owner Meta also said it is investigating and will take action against any offending comments and accounts.
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