Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has shared an emotional statement after reporting alleged racist abuse during his side’s Premier League opener against Liverpool at Anfield on Friday night.
The match, which ended in a 4-2 victory for the Reds, was overshadowed by the incident that saw the Ghanaian international raise concerns with the officials. Referee Anthony Taylor consulted both captains, Adam Smith and Virgil van Dijk, alongside the managers before the game resumed. Despite the controversy and falling two goals behind, Bournemouth fought back, with Semenyo himself inspiring a brief comeback by netting twice in the second half.
Merseyside Police later confirmed that a 47-year-old man had been removed from the stadium and that a full investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Semenyo’s Defiant Message
While Semenyo kept his silence immediately after the final whistle, he took to Instagram the following day to express his feelings. In a heartfelt message, he thanked his teammates, Liverpool players, and the wider football community for standing with him, writing that the events at Anfield would stay with him “not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.”
He highlighted how scoring his two goals was his way of “speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch” and vowed to keep moving forward with strength. The 25-year-old also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from across the football world.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk responded with raised-hands and fist-bump emojis, while Jeremie Frimpong replied with praying hands and a fist-bump. Former Cherries striker Dominic Solanke praised Semenyo with “Big from you bro,” and Max Aarons added: “With you brother.”
Key Role Ahead for Bournemouth
Beyond the controversy, Semenyo’s performance was a reminder of just how vital he is to Bournemouth’s ambitions this season. After enjoying a breakout campaign last year with 13 goals and seven assists, the forward looks ready to pick up where he left off. His new contract at the Vitality Stadium has further underlined his importance, with many tipping him to be among the standout players in Andoni Iraola’s side this term.
As investigations continue, one thing remains clear: Semenyo is determined not to let abuse define him, instead choosing to let his football – and his resilience – do the talking.
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