Merseyside Police have confirmed the arrest of a 47-year-old Liverpool fan alleged of racist abuse toward Semenyo, a Bournemouth forward, during the Premier League season opener at Anfield on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The incident, which occurred during Liverpool’s 4-2 victory, led to a brief pause in the match as referee Anthony Taylor addressed the reported racial abuse.
The incident unfolded in the 29th minute when Semenyo, a Ghana international, reported the alleged racist abuse to the referee.
An anti-discrimination message was delivered to the crowd, and the suspect was ejected from Anfield.
On Saturday, Merseyside Police announced that the 47-year-old man from Liverpool was taken into custody on suspicion of alleged racist abuse towards Semenyo.
“The suspect’s identity was confirmed, and he was removed from the ground following the report,” the statement said. According to police, the man was being interviewed in police custody.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass also reports that Semenyo released a statement on social media Saturday thanking fans, teammates, opponents, and officials for their support.
He said: “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.
“To my @afcb teammates who supported me in that moment, to the @liverpoolfc players and fans who showed their true character, to the @premierleague officials who handled it professionally – thank you. Football showed its best side when it mattered most.
“The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport,” he continued. “We keep moving forward, together.”
