Champions Liverpool start with a win but Antoine Semenyo incident mars opener

Liverpool’s defence of their Premier League title got off to an unconvincing start but the late 4-2 victory was soured by alleged racist abuse directed at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

The winger responded brilliantly with both the Cherries’ goals as they came from two down as Andoni Iraola’s side exposed the same defensive weaknesses Crystal Palace did in Sunday’s Community Shield victory.

But forgotten man Federico Chiesa, Liverpool’s solitary signing last summer who has barely featured and whose future looked to be elsewhere, volleyed home his first league goal in the 88th minute before Mohamed Salah scored for the eighth time in nine opening-day fixtures.

WE START WITH A WIN! ✊