During the opening Premier League match of the 2025 season between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a fan in the stands. The incident led to the temporary suspension of the match. Semenyo, 25, who scored twice in the 4-2 defeat, received widespread support from the football community, including Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. Merseyside police arrested a 47-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. Following the arrest, the man was granted conditional bail and banned from attending any football stadium in the UK. The Premier League and Liverpool Football Club issued statements condemning the abuse and confirming the ongoing police investigation. FIFA's Players' Voice Panel has also pledged support for Semenyo. The incident has drawn attention to ongoing efforts to combat racism in football.