Liverpool manager Arne Slot has condemned in the strongest terms the racial abuse directed at Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo during the Premier League season opener at Anfield on Friday night.
The AFC Bournemouth striker reported the incident to the referee in the first half, leading to swift intervention by match officials and team representatives. Play was temporarily halted before continuing.
Semenyo, however, responded on the pitch in the best possible way, netting twice in the second half despite his side eventually losing 4-2 to Liverpool.
Speaking after the match, Slot described the incident as “unacceptable” and applauded the 24-year-old’s mental strength.
“It’s unacceptable in every football stadium, let alone at Anfield. Big credit to him—if something like this happens and you can still deliver such a performance in the second half,” the Dutch coach remarked.
Semenyo, who emerged as Bournemouth’s standout player on the night, will be aiming to maintain his fine form when the Cherries host Wolves at the Vitality Stadium next weekend.
