Police issue update on racism investigation at LFC match
A man's been released on bail after reports of racist abuse being directed at a Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo
Last updated 18th Aug 2025
Merseyside Police have confirmed a man's been bailed, after he was arrested following reports of racist abuse being directed at Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during Liverpool's opening Premier League game of the season.
A 47-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on Saturday 16 August on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. The force says he has now been released on bail with conditions, which includes not to attend any regulated football match in the UK and not to go within one mile of a designated football stadium.
An investigation into the incident, which occurred at the match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday (15 August) is continuing, with police working closely with LFC.
In an initial statement following the incident Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, the match commander, said: “Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form.
“We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible.”
He added: “There is no place for racism and it is vital that anyone who witnesses such an offence reports it to stewards, or the police immediately, so we can take the necessary action like we did this evening.
"As with all matches, we work very closely with both Liverpool and Everton FC to ensure the safety of the public , and the players.”
A spokesperson for Liverpool Football Club, said: "Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth.
"We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football.
"The club is unable to comment further as tonight's alleged is incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully."
To report a hate crime contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If, for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK to run a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org. You can also download the Stop Hate UK reporting app.