A Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield was marred by an incident of alleged racist abuse directed towards Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The incident led to a brief pause in the game and the ejection of a man in a wheelchair from the stadium.

During the first half of the match, in the 29th minute, Semenyo reported to the referee, Anthony Taylor, that he had been racially abused by a spectator. The referee subsequently stopped the play, and after a brief discussion with both managers, Arne Slot of Liverpool and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, the captains, Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith, were also informed.

According to reports, the alleged perpetrator was a 47-year-old man sitting in a wheelchair. Following Semenyo's complaint, the individual was escorted out of Anfield by police officers. Merseyside Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident. Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton stated that Merseyside Police has a zero-tolerance policy towards hate crimes and are taking the incident very seriously. The police are working with Liverpool to seek football banning orders against those responsible.

Liverpool Football Club has released a statement condemning racism and discrimination in all forms, emphasizing that it has no place in society or football. The club has pledged its full support to the ongoing police investigation.

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola praised Semenyo for his composure and performance, as he scored two goals despite the abuse. Iraola expressed his disappointment that such incidents continue to occur and emphasized the need to eradicate racism from the sport. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith also conveyed his support for Semenyo, denouncing the incident as "totally unacceptable".

The Premier League has also condemned the incident and launched a full investigation. A statement released by the league affirmed its commitment to anti-discrimination protocols and reiterated that racism has no place in football or society. The Football Association expressed its concern and assured that appropriate action would be taken.

Following the incident, a spectator who was near the alleged perpetrator offered insight into what occurred. Nick Collins, a season ticket holder who also uses a wheelchair, stated that the man had a history of inappropriate behavior, including throwing objects at officials. Collins reported that he saw the man in the wheelchair go over to Semenyo and shout something at him, then repeat it and throw chewing gum at him.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for stronger measures to combat racism in football.