Saturday’s briefing: Alleged racist abuse of Antoine Semenyo mars Liverpool win

Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth in the Premier League curtain-raiser was overshadowed by alleged racist abuse directed at visiting winger Antoine Semenyo.

The Premier League will launch a full investigation after the game was briefly halted in the first half, while Semenyo scored both the Cherries’ goals in their 4-2 defeat.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe believes wantaway striker Alexander Isak could still play for the club – but that depends on the player.

The Premier League has said it will launch a full investigation after Liverpool’s curtain-raiser against Bournemouth at Anfield was halted when visiting forward Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator.

Match referee Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute and spoke with managers Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola before respective captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith were called over to the dugouts.

A Premier League statement read: “Tonight’s match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

“This is in line with the Premier League’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol. The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs.”

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

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

The winger responded brilliantly with both the Cherries’ goals as they came from two down as Iraola’s side exposed the same defensive