The opening match of the 2025/26 Premier League season was temporarily halted during the first half due to an alleged racist comment from the crowd.
Defending champions Liverpool hosted Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday night in a lively and competitive fixture. However, the game was paused around the 30-minute mark after referee Anthony Taylor stopped play just as Liverpool prepared to take a corner. Taylor then approached the sidelines to speak with Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
After some initial confusion, Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury informed viewers that Taylor had been in communication with the managers and the fourth official following a report from Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who claimed he was subjected to a racist remark from the stands.
“I’ve been told by the Premier League Match Centre that Antoine Semenyo was the target of a racist comment,” said Drury. “It was Semenyo himself who brought it to the referee’s attention.”
Semenyo, who had earlier been involved in a physical challenge with Alexis Mac Allister, was comforted by manager Iraola, former teammate Milos Kerkez, and others before play resumed.
Sky Sports swiftly addressed the incident during their halftime coverage, with pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher strongly denouncing the alleged abuse.
“It’s disgusting,” Neville said. “That young man was racially abused and had to go to the referee about it. It completely overshadows what should’ve been a special night.”
Discriminatory behavior at Premier League matches can lead to stadium bans and legal consequences, and fans are urged to report such incidents via the official Premier League website.
On the pitch, new Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike opened his Premier League account by scoring in the 37th minute, following his goal in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. He dedicated the goal to the late Diogo Jota, with a tribute and a moment of silence held before kickoff. Supporters also applauded in the 20th minute in Jota’s memory.
As of now, no official statements have been released by Bournemouth, Liverpool, or the Premier League regarding the incident.
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