Bournemouth captain Adam Smith has hit out at alleged racist abuse hurled at star forward Antoine Semenyo during the Premier League curtain-raiser at Anfield last night.
The opening Premier League game was thrilling: a 4-2 victory for Liverpool in front of their home fans - the first competitive game at Anfield since the tragic death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota.
But the game was marred by a moment of abhorrent alleged racial abuse, directed at Bournemouth winger Semenyo.
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While gearing up to take a throw-in, the Ghanaian forward was reportedly the subject of abuse from a Liverpool fan from the disabled section of the crowd, with the game being suspended for three minutes according to Premier League protocol, as both managers were informed of the incident.
The game was halted for three minutes according to Premier League protocol as both managers were informed of the situation
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Despite this, the 25-year-old managed to put the ordeal behind him and bag two brilliant goals to bring Bournemouth level in the second half before they ultimately fell short due to late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah.
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith was quick to condemn the abuse suffered by his teammate after the game and credited the winger, who scored 11 Premier League goals last term, for dragging the Cherries back into the game.
“Totally unacceptable, shocked that it happened in this day and age,” the skipper said. “It shouldn't be happening. I don't know how Ant has played on and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable.
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Bournemouth captain Adam Smith has condemned the alleged abuse
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“I just feel sorry for Ant. He's a little bit down, and to carry on playing, something needs to be done. Taking a knee is having no effect. We'll support him and hopefully he'll be okay.
“I wanted him to react, because that's what I would have done. I would have gone straight over there, but it shows what type of man he is, to not react in the moment and to carry on. Coming up with those two goals shows the type of guy he is.
“I felt angry. Shocked. I said to the referee, I wanted him removed immediately, but they had to go through a process and the police will sort it.
“The Liverpool players were very supportive towards Antoine and the rest of the team. It was handled in the right way, but so angry.
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“We've had discussions with the Premier League about it, so they are taking it seriously. I don't know what else we can do! We've been doing it for a long time now, and no one is getting it. I don't know what to say anymore.
“I just feel sorry for Ant that he's had to take that tonight. The whole country is watching, and for that to happen is shocking.”
After the incident, Bournemouth took to social media to make their feelings clear, writing: “A great player but above all, a great human being.
“Only a strong character shows such resilience in those circumstances.
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Despite the alleged abuse, Antoine Semenyo retaliated by equalising for Bournemouth by bagging to brilliant goals
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“We love you and are all with you, Antoine.”
The Premier League released an official statement after the incident, reading: “Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol.
“The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society.
“We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
The game also marked the first competitive game at Anfield since the tragic death of Jota and his brother Andre Silva, with a spine-tingling rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone ringing through the stadium and a touching tribute after the game.
Mo Salah, who extended his record by scoring his 10th opening day Premier League goal, appeared emotional in front of the Kop while they sang Jota’s name.