Liverpool vs Bournemouth Halted After Semenyo Reports Racist Abuse

LIVERPOOL'S clash against Bournemouth was suspended after Antoine Semenyo accused a fan of racist abuse.

The game came to a halt after half an hour as Semenyo ran to the touchline with referee Anthony Taylor.

3 Liverpool vs Bournemouth was suspended amid racism claims made by Antoine Semenyo Credit: Sky Sports

3 Anthony Taylor informed both managers as he reported the incident immediately Credit: Sky Sports

3 The incident allegedly occurred as Semenyo took a throw-in Credit: Sky Sports

Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola were both seen in talks with the official as another made notes on a pad.

Semenyo was taking a throw-in when the comment was allegedly made from the crowd.

The winger immediately told Taylor of the incident, with the referee then pausing the match to formally report it in accordance with the Premier League's anti-discrimination protocol.

Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury lifted the lid on the incident as those watching at home were initially left out of the loop.

He said: "I am told by the Match Centre, the Premier League Match Centre, that Antoine Semenyo was subject to a racist comment from the crowd.

"Of which, of course, nobody on either side, or indeed anywhere, is approving. So, sympathy from Liverpool, beyond which, at this stage, nothing to report.

"What I can tell you, also, is that it was Semenyo himself who brought the referee's attention to it."

The Premier League Match Centre eventually released a statement minutes into the second half.

It read: “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.

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"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 was halted for several minutes as players took on water while Semenyo's accusation was formally reported.

Taylor soon blew his whistle to restart the clash.

And Liverpool ended up drawing first blood as they went ahead through new striker Hugo Ekitike.

It was a debut goal for the Frenchman after his £69million move from Eintracht Frankfurt.

And the ace paid tribute to Jota as he flashed up the No20 with his fingers.

Liverpool then went 2-0 up minutes into the second as Cody Gakpo drove across the box before firing home.

But Semenyo himself then came out in the second half and led a Bournemouth comeback, bagging a brilliant brace to make the score 2-2.

However, Federico Chiesa struck a late volley to have the Reds breathing a sigh of relief before Salah made the win safe in stoppage time with the fourth.