Antoine Semenyo praised for his reaction as Bournemouth express anger over racist abuse

Bournemouth have expressed their shock and anger that the opening match of the Premier League season was overshadowed by an incident of alleged racist abuse towards Antoine Semenyo.

The match between the Cherries and Liverpool on Friday night at Anfield was halted in the first half after Semenyo reported that a supporter had said something to him while he was preparing to take a throw-in. Liverpool later released a statement condemning the alleged actions while confirming that the police are now investigating.

Arne Slot's side went on to win the game 4-2 with late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah. But Semenyo produced a remarkable performance in the second half, scoring twice to drag the away side back into the game.

The Bournemouth winger kept his composure to tuck in David Brooks' cross for 2-1 before charging forwards on another counter-attack to find the bottom corner for 2-2. While full of admiration for his team-mate, captain Adam Smith expressed fury at full-time.

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"Totally unacceptable. Kind of in shock it happened in this day and age. I don't know how Ant has carried on playing and come up with his goals," Smith told Sky Sports.

"He's a little bit down. Something needs to be done. Taking a knee has taken no effect. We've supported him and hopefully he'll be OK. I wanted him to react [after scoring], that's what I'd have done. I'd have gone straight over there. It shows what kind of man he is to report it to the ref and carry on. Fair play to Ant.

"It's more anger. Shocked. I said to the ref I wanted him removed immediately but the police went and sorted it. The Liverpool players were very supportive to Ant and the rest of the team. Just so angry.

"We've had discussions with the Premier League about it so they have been taking it seriously. I don't know what else we can do. We've been doing it for a long time now and no-one is getting it. I just feel sorry for Ant and he's had to take that. The whole country is watching and it's shocking."

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola added: "The referee explained to both managers straight away the situation. It is a big shame we have to start talking about these things.

"The Liverpool manager and the players they feel it the same. Everyone understands that these things have to be out of everywhere but especially football.

"Now we have to go again to talk to the police and the officials. I think for sure he (Semenyo) will have it in his head [now] and it shouldn't be like this."

Kick it Out said in a statement: "Thirty minutes into the first Premier League game of the season, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is racially abused by someone in the crowd.

"Two nights ago, Tottenham’s Mathys Tel was racially abused online. This is a stark reminder of an ugly reality: black players are facing this every week.

"We stand in solidarity with Antoine and can’t praise him enough for his courage in calling this out after such a distressing episode before going on to score twice.

"Anthony Taylor and his refereeing team also deserve credit for acting swiftly and decisively. We will keep pushing to kick this disgusting behaviour out of the game through punishments, accountability and education, but football still has a long way to go."