Everton have issued a statement following the arrest of a supporter following reports of racist abuse during Monday night’s 3-3 draw with Manchester City.
Antoine Semenyo was allegedly subjected to racist abuse during the game against Everton (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
An Everton supporter was arrested on Monday night after allegedly shouting a racist abuse at Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo. Everton drew 3-3 with City in a dramatic Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Semenyo was also accused of racist abuse in August when he played for Bournemouth against Liverpool at Anfield, in which he played 74 minutes. Everton confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
“Everton Football Club can confirm that a supporter was arrested following reports of racist abuse towards opposing players during Monday night’s 3-3 Premier League draw with Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium.”
“Merseyside Police arrested a 71-year-old man on suspicion of racially aggravated breach of peace after a supporter and steward reported the incident.
“He was subsequently released on bail with conditions including not being allowed to go within one mile of a designated sports stadium within four hours before kick-off, during the match, or within four hours after the final whistle.
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“Racism and discrimination in all its forms is completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadiums, in our sport or in our society and this type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
“The swift response of fellow supporters, stewards and Merseyside Police has ensured that the individual has been identified and appropriate action taken. The club will continue to work closely with the authorities to assist with the investigation and will take the strongest possible action in line with our zero-tolerance approach.”
While City confirmed the abuse allegations were directed at Semenyo, they also called out abuse online against defender Marc Gehi. They said in a statement: “Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse directed at Antoine Semenyo during yesterday’s match. We welcome the swift action taken by Everton and the police to identify those responsible.”
Everton drew 3-3 with Manchester City on Monday night (Image: Lee Parker/Getty Images)
“We were deeply disappointed to hear last night that Mark Gehi was the subject of a series of vile and racist social media posts. We continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Mark and will never accept discrimination of any kind in our game.”
City drew with Merseyside with Jeremy Doku’s second goal just before stoppage time. The Belgian winger gave his title-chasing side the lead, but three goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half gave Everton a 3-1 lead.
Tierno Barry leveled the score at 1-1 after a mistake by Marc Guehi, and Jake O’Brien headed home from a corner to give the home team the lead. Barry added another point with a tap-in, giving Everton a two-goal cushion.
That didn’t last long, though, as Erling Haaland chipped in just after kick-off and Doc curled in late on to give City a dramatic equalizer.
