David GOMBE
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has slammed the racist abuse directed at AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during their Premier League encounter against Liverpool. The a incident occurred during the first-half.
Semenyo was subject to racist abuse during their first half of the Premier League opener against Liverpool on Friday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Instagram,
“It is absolutely unacceptable to see the racist abuse aimed at AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo which led to a stoppage of their Premier League match against Liverpool FC at Anfield last night.Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination Antoine’s courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide.”
Said the FIFA boss before adding,
“The Players’ Voice Panel, established as part of the five pillars against racism adopted by FIFA Congress in 2024, will be in touch with Antoine and is monitoring these situations closely. We are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organisers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action.
Everyone at FIFA, The Players’ Voice Panel and the whole football community stands firmly with Antoine and we will continue to offer our unequivocal support to him, Bournemouth, the Premier League and The FA to ensure strong deterrents are in place, and actions taken, to eradicate racism and discrimination from our game.”
On Saturday, Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man from Liverpool was identified and removed from Anfield Stadium following the report.
He was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and taken into custody for questioning.
