Antoine Semenyo thanks football world for support after he reports racist abuse

Antoine Semenyo said the response to his report of racist abuse from a Liverpool fan showed football at its best.

The opening match of the new Premier League season at Anfield on Friday night was briefly halted in the first half after Bournemouth forward Semenyo was targeted by a supporter.

The incident was strongly condemned by representatives of both teams while the Premier League has said it will launch a full investigation.

A post shared by Antoine Semenyo (@antoinesemenyo42)

Writing on social media, Semenyo said: “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.

“To my @afcb team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the @liverpoolfc players and fans who showed their true character, to the @premierleague officials who handled it professionally – thank you. Football showed its best side when it mattered most.

“Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play – for moments like these, for my team-mates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.

“The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together.”

The PA news agency understands police officers went into the referee’s room at half-time, while an anti-discrimination message was read out to the Anfield crowd.

Semenyo pulled Bournemouth level with two goals in the second half before Liverpool went on to claim a 4-2 win.

The 25-year-old also highlighted racist abuse on Instagram, and PA understands Meta, the social media platform’s parent company, is investigating and taking action against the offending