Bournemouth ahead Antoine Semenyo mentioned the response to his report of racist abuse from a Liverpool fan confirmed soccer at its greatest “when it mattered most”.
The opening match of the brand new Premier League season at Anfield on Friday night time was briefly halted within the first half after Semenyo gave the impression to be focused by a supporter.
The incident was strongly condemned by representatives of each groups, whereas the Premier League has mentioned it can launch a full investigation.
Merseyside Police are additionally investigating after a 47-year-old man was ejected from Anfield.
Writing on social media on Saturday, Semenyo – who scored two targets earlier than Liverpool claimed a 4-2 win – mentioned: “Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.
“To my @afcb team-mates who supported me in that second, to the @liverpoolfc gamers and followers who confirmed their true character, to the @premierleague officers who dealt with it professionally – thanks. Soccer confirmed its greatest aspect when it mattered most.
“Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play – for moments like these, for my team-mates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.
“The overwhelming messages of help from throughout the soccer world remind me why I really like this sport. We preserve transferring ahead, collectively.”
How match was halted after incident
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola had been spoken to by the referee Anthony Taylor when the incident at Anfield occurred, resulting in the sport being paused.
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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says the alleged racist abuse that Antoine Semenyo obtained at Anfield was unacceptable
“I am told via the Premier League Match Centre that Antoine Semenyo was the subject of a racist comment from the crowd,” reported Sky Sports activities’ Peter Drury on the time on commentary.
Sky Sports activities’ Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher known as the incident “despicable,” with Neville saying: “It overshadows what should be an amazing night; the first day of the Premier League season, a beautiful day, and that boy has [reported being] racially abused.
“It is despicable. Nevertheless, it has occurred. It’ll carry on occurring. It is a sorry state.”
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Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola shares his ideas on the alleged racist abuse Antoine Semenyo obtained at Anfield
Van Dijk’s help for Semenyo
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes soccer has to proceed to attempt to educate the following era about racism.
“The only thing we can do is deal with it by dealing with him personally and try to educate the next generation,” Van Dijk mentioned. “That is the only way to try and kick it out, in my opinion.
“I am unable to consider it. These items should not occur however sadly it does and it’s an absolute shame in my eyes.
“First and foremost these things should never happen in the world, not only football. But in general racism is not of this world in my opinion, but if we are to be realistic, unfortunately, it still exists and that is the painful side of it.
“We now have to take care of it within the right here and now.”
Van Dijk offered words of support to Semenyo, adding: “I’m right here for Antoine, each time he wants it and we’re right here as a membership to take care of it in the easiest way attainable as a result of it should not occur.
“But we stand with him completely.”
Merseyside Police mentioned after the sport: “Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form. We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible.”
The incident got here two days after Tottenham’s Mathys Tel obtained racist abuse on-line after lacking a penalty in his aspect’s Tremendous Cup win in opposition to Paris St Germain.
