Liverpool’s opening match of the Premier League season against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on 15 August was paused in the 29th minute after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo told referee Anthony Taylor he had been racially abused by a supporter seated near the Main Stand. Taylor applied the league’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol and halted play while both managers, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, and the captains were informed. The Premier League later confirmed the allegation, saying “racism has no place in our game” and pledging a full investigation. Liverpool FC said the individual had been identified and removed from the stadium and that it is cooperating with the inquiry. Anti-discrimination messages were broadcast to the 62,000-strong crowd during the interruption. Play resumed after several minutes. Semenyo went on to score twice in the second half, but Liverpool found two late goals to secure victory in the season opener. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of stadium security and the league’s efforts to tackle discriminatory behaviour.