LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Police have launched an investigation into hate crimes after ousting a 47-year-old fan from Liverpool’s stadium due to racial abuse of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semeño during the opening match of the Premier League season.
The incident occurred in Anfield on Friday night. When the black Semeño reported the abuse to referee Anthony Taylor in the first half, reporting the score 0-0. Play was temporarily stopped while Taylor spoke to both the coach and the team captain.
“Merseyside police will not tolerate any form of hate crime,” said Match Commander Prime Minister Kev Chatterton.
The fan’s identity has been confirmed and he has been removed from the stadium, police added.
“We take these cases very seriously. In these cases, we actively ask the person in charge, along with the club, to order ban football,” Chatterton said.
Semeño scored both goals for Bournemouth 4-2 lossand later posted further racial abuse he received online.
The 25-year-old Ghana International wrote on her Instagram account.
Bournemouth players were comforting Semenyo, and after halftime whis, an anti-discrimination message was read by the crowd inside Anfield.
The Premier League also investigated the incident and said it would “provide full support for the players and both clubs.”
In a statement, Liverpool said it was aware of the allegations and would condemn “all forms of racism and discrimination.”
“The club cannot further comment as the alleged incident tonight is subject to an ongoing police investigation.
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