Article by Daniel Scorpie – published on Saturday, August 16, 2025, 09:11 / Updated on Saturday, August 16, 2025 09:15
Antoine Semenyo was the target of racist insults, but remained on the ground and scored twice against Liverpool. The manager Andoni Iraola and the captain of the guests from Bournemouth, Adam Smith, convicted and regretted the incident.
The match was interrupted after Antoine Semenyo accused a fan of racist abuse. The incident was recorded after half an hour, when Semenyo ran to the cough line with the referee Anthony Taylor.
“The referee immediately explained the situation of both managers. It is a great shame that we have to start talking about these things. Liverpool coach and players are of the same opinion.
Antonio Semenyo, the scorer of Bournemouth's first two goals this season in Premier League / Photo: Imago
Manager Andoni Iraola: “I do not know how Antoine managed to continue playing and, moreover, score two goals!”
Everyone understands that these things have to disappear everywhere, but especially from football. Now we have to talk to the police and those responsible again. I am sure that Semenyo will not be able to forget and it should not be so, ”Andoni Iraola rebel.
The manager of the guests on “Anfield” was also supported by Adam Smith: “It is totally unacceptable. I am shocked that this happened today. I do not know how Antoine managed to continue playing and, moreover, to score two goals. It's a little depressed. Something needs to be done. To kneel did not work.
It's more anger. A shock. I told the referee that I want to be removed immediately, but the police came and solved the problem. Liverpool players also supported Antoine Semenyo and the rest of the team. I'm very upset. I talked about this with the Premier League, who take the problem seriously
Adam SmithBournemouth's captain
We are all next to them and we hope to get over this serious episode. I wanted to have a reaction after scoring and that's what I would have done. I would have gone directly to him. This shows what kind of person he is, reporting the incident of the referee and continuing the game. Congrats, ant!“Added the captain of Bournemouth.
Adam Smith: “It's a shock. I told the referee that I want to be removed immediately. But the police came and solved the problem.”
Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, consoled Antonio Semenyo, the author of the Anfield, after Bournemouth's failure (2-4) and the racist / photo episode: IMAGO
Smith ended his plea against the phenomenon of racism on stadiums and in sports: “I do not know what else we could do. And we do this for a long time, but it seems that no one understands. I'm sorry for Ant, who had to go through it. The whole country is looking and shocking.
Liverpool started his title race in the Premier League on Friday, at the opening of the season, with a victory on “Anfield” in front of Bournemouth, score 4-2. The goals were scored by Ekitike (37), Gakpo (49), Chiesa (88), Salah (90+4), respectively, Semenyo (64, 76).
