Fan arrested over alleged Semenyo abuse banned from every UK football stadium

Friday’s Premier League opener at Anfield was briefly halted in the 29th minute after Semenyo reported being abused by someone in the crowd (Picture: Getty/Sky Sports)

A man arrested after Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused during their match against Liverpool has been banned from every football ground in the country.

Friday’s Premier League opener at Anfield was briefly halted in the 29th minute after Semenyo reported being abused by someone in the crowd.

The 47-year-old suspect from Liverpool has been released on bail after he was arrested the following day on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

As part of his bail conditions, he cannot attend any regulated football match in the UK, and is not allowed within a mile of any football stadium, Merseyside Police said.

The force’s investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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Match referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute and a fan was ejected from Anfield.

Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield (Picture: Getty Images)

Referee Anthony Taylor talks to Liverpool manager Arne Slot and AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola after Semenyo reported being abused (Picture: Shutterstock)

Semenyo scored twice in the second half to help bring Bournemouth back from two goals down before Liverpool went on to eventually win 4-2.

The following day, the 25-year-old Ghanaian international said on social media: ‘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 thanked his teammates, Liverpool players and fans ‘who showed their true character’, and the Premier League officials ‘who handled it professionally’.

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