FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned the racist attacks targeted at Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghanaian international was the victim of a racist slur during AFC Bournemouth’s Premier League opener against Liverpool on Friday.
Semenyo reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor, who stopped the match in the 28th minute before moving over to the sideline to speak with both coaches; Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
The fan was promptly removed from Anfield by police officers on duty.
In a statement reacting to the incident, Infantino said “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.”
Although investigations into the matter have since commenced, Infantino has assured Semenyo of FIFA’s support.
“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.”
Despite the incident, Semenyo went on to score twice to tie the match at 2-2, before late goals by Federico Chiesa and Mohammed Salah sealed the win for Liverpool.
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