Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett says a Liverpool supporter accused of racially abusing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo will be banned from Anfield and arrested.
The incident occurred during Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday. With under half an hour played, Semenyo was preparing for a long throw when a fan approached the edge of the pitch, gesticulating and speaking toward him. The Ghana international later reported to referee Anthony Taylor that he had been racially abused.
Taylor halted play, informed both managers, and involved ground controllers. The location of the alleged abuse was identified, and Semenyo appeared dejected at half-time, receiving support from teammates, Liverpool players, and the referee.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett praised Taylor’s quick action, saying: “I suggest that this incident will be investigated, and I applaud how efficiently it was dealt with by the match officials. Referee Anthony Taylor informed both managers and also the ground controller [when the incident happened]. It appears to be clear who the offender was. This should result in a ban from the stadium and possible further action by the police.”