A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during the opening Premier League match of the 2025-2026 season between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield. The incident caused the match to be halted temporarily in the 28th minute. Semenyo, who is 25 years old, reported the abuse from the stands, which was directed at him by a fan in a wheelchair. The game ended with Liverpool defeating Bournemouth 4-2, with Semenyo scoring twice. Following the arrest, the suspect was given conditional bail and banned from every football stadium in the UK as part of the bail conditions. Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. The football community expressed support for Semenyo, who thanked them for their backing. Bournemouth has provided support to Semenyo through the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), and FIFA's Players' Voice Panel will also assist him. Liverpool Football Club condemned the racist abuse. The incident has prompted a hate crime investigation by police.