FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned the racist abuse aimed at Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during Friday’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield.
The match was briefly halted in the first half after referee Anthony Taylor was alerted to abuse from the stands. He consulted both managers and captains before play continued.
A 47-year-old man from Liverpool was removed from the stadium and later arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, Merseyside Police confirmed.
Semenyo, who also reported receiving online racist abuse after the game, expressed gratitude to his teammates, Liverpool, match officials, and the wider football community for their support.
Infantino released a statement on Saturday, calling the incident “unacceptable” and vowing that FIFA would reach out directly to the Ghana international. He said the Players’ Voice Panel, created under FIFA’s anti-racism framework adopted in 2024, would remain engaged with the case.
“Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination,” Infantino said. “Antoine’s courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide. We are committed to ensuring players are respected and protected, and that appropriate action is taken by competition organisers and law enforcement.”
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters also reiterated the league’s stance, warning that supporters found guilty of racist behaviour would face stadium bans and possible prosecution.
