Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who scored twice in the 4–2 defeat to Liverpool, was subjected to racist abuse on social media, hours after he had already been targeted by a fan at Anfield.
Semenyo was subjected to abuse from a fan in the stadium, who was removed after referee Anthony Taylor spoke to the benches. Hours later, the 25-year-old was again targeted on Instagram with monkey emojis. He posted a screenshot of one of the comments with the caption: “When will it stop…”
Liverpool released a statement pledging their support for Semenyo and confirmed they are working with Merseyside Police, who are investigating the incident.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk described the abuse as “an absolute disgrace” and promised his full support for the Ghanaian international.
“I’ve had loads of conversations with him about it, and first and foremost, I wanted to know what happened. I am glad the authorities are dealing with it; that is the main thing,” Van Dijk said.
“But we stand with him completely, and I think every one of you here would say the same thing: these things can’t happen. So anything he needs for support, I am here for him.
“We are all here for him, to be honest, but the club as well, and they are dealing with it in the right way, I am fully confident about that.
“I can’t believe it. I can say these things that it shouldn’t happen, but unfortunately, it does, and it is an absolute disgrace in my eyes.”
Van Dijk added that racism “is not of this world” and insisted football must continue to fight against discrimination.
