FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the racist abuse directed at AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during Friday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield, calling the incident “absolutely unacceptable.”
The Ghana international was subjected to abuse from a spectator in the first half, forcing referee Anthony Taylor to halt the game temporarily while he consulted with both managers and team captains.
Play later resumed, but the match was overshadowed by the incident despite Semenyo scoring twice in Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man from Liverpool was ejected from the stadium and arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
The individual remains in custody as investigations continue. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed solidarity with Semenyo in a statement shared.
“Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination. Antoine’s courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide.”
He also announced that FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel, created under the five-pillar anti-racism framework adopted at the 2024 FIFA Congress, will be in contact with the Bournemouth striker. The panel will monitor the situation and offer direct support to the player.
Semenyo, who later revealed that he was also subjected to racist abuse online after the game, thanked his teammates, Liverpool, match officials, and the wider football community for rallying around him:
“Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.”
He added; “Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. We keep moving forward, together.”
Infantino insisted that football authorities and law enforcement must act decisively.
“We are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organisers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action.”
“Everyone at FIFA, the Players’ Voice Panel, and the entire football community stands firmly with Antoine.” Said FIFA President.
The incident has reignited calls for stronger deterrents against racist abuse in football, both in stadiums and online, as the sport continues its campaign to eradicate discrimination from the game.
