Premier League to launch 'full investigation' as Antoine Semenyo reports racist abuse at Anfield | OneFootball

The Ghanaian hit a brace in spite of the abuse he faced

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 Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator.

Match referee Anthony 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 dug-outs.

PA Sport understands police officers went into the referee's room at half-time, while an anti-discrimination message was read out to the Anfield crowd.

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.

"Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all."

Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville said: "It overshadows what should be an amazing night. First game of the Premier League season, a beautiful day, 62,000 fans in the stadium and that boy (Semenyo) basically has been racially abused and has had to go over to a referee to complain about it.

"I can't even begin to think what would be going through someone's mind, however it's happened and it'll keep on happening and it's a sorry state."

Fellow co-commentator Jamie Carragher added: "A shocking incident rightly reported to the referee."

The incident comes two days after Tottenham's Mathys Tel received racist abuse online after missing a penalty in his side's UEFA Super Cup win against Paris St Germain.

The Football Association said it was "concerned" about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure "appropriate action" would be taken.

A statement from the FA read: "We are very concerned about the allegation of discrimination from an area of the crowd, which was reported to the match officials during the Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Bournemouth.

"Incidents of this nature have no place in our game and we will work closely with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure the appropriate action is taken."

After the incident, Semenyo scored twice in the second half to help bring Bournemouth back from two goals down at Anfield before Liverpool went on to eventually win the contest 4-2.