Police investigate after Bournemouth footballer reports racist abuse at Anfield

Police are investigating after a man was ejected from Anfield Stadium after reports of a Bournemouth player being racially abused during the first Premier League game of the season against Liverpool.

Visiting forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator, and match referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute.

He spoke with managers Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola before the two captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith were called over to the dug-outs.

An anti-discrimination message was read out to the Anfield crowd, and it is understood that police officers went into the referee’s room at half-time.

Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man was removed from the ground, and an investigation was under way after his identity was confirmed.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, the match commander for the Liverpool v Bournemouth game, 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