Racism Against Semenyo at Anfield: Bournemouth Captain Adam Smith Reacts Strongly

• Antoine Semenyo signed a new Bournemouth deal ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League following his impressive performance last season
• The Ghanaian international was reportedly subjected to a racial abuse at Anfield during the Liverpool vs. Bournemouth league opener
• Bournemouth captain Adam Smith has issued a powerful message to support his pivotal teammate

PAY ATTENTION: Follow YEN's WhatsApp channel for a daily dose of breaking news on the go!

Bournemouth captain Adam Smith has voiced his anger after teammate Antoine Semenyo was subjected to alleged racist abuse during Friday’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

The incident occurred in the first half when Semenyo reported the abuse to referee Anthony Taylor, prompting a temporary halt to the game while both managers, captains, and police were informed.

Although play eventually resumed, Bournemouth went on to lose 4-2. Semenyo, however, left his mark on the match by scoring twice to pull the Cherries level, before late goals from Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa secured victory for the Reds.

Adam Smith supports Antoine Semenyo

Despite the thrilling nature of the contest, the match was overshadowed by the alleged racist abuse directed at Antoine Semenyo, who made a big Premier League opening day history.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!

After the game, Bournemouth captain Adam Smith praised his teammate for showing composure in difficult circumstances and highlighted the need for stronger and more effective measures to tackle racism in football.

As reported by GiveMeSport, Smith also expressed his admiration for Semenyo’s ability to continue playing and score despite the distressing incident. He noted that his teammate was clearly affected but managed to push through, while also stressing that current symbolic gestures against racism are having little real impact.

Smith then described the incident as unacceptable and expressed shock that such abuse could still occur in the modern game. He admitted feeling sympathy for Semenyo, questioning how his teammate was able to continue and deliver two goals despite the circumstances.

He also stressed that current symbolic gestures against racism are proving ineffective and argued that more meaningful action is required.

The Bournemouth skipper admitted he personally would have reacted differently in the moment, but said Semenyo’s decision to remain composed, report the abuse to the referee, and still perform at such a high level reflected both his character and professionalism.

Liverpool beat Bournemouth

The reigning EPL champions picked up a 4-2 triumph to launch their title defence in a grand style as newly-signed striker Hugo Ekitike and reliable hitman Mohamed Salah registered their names on the score sheet.

The hosts started brightly and were rewarded in the 37th minute when French forward Hugo Ekitike, a summer signing from Frankfurt, opened the scoring. Soon after the break, Dutch international Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s advantage to make it 2-0, according to Flashscore.

Bournemouth, fresh from unveiling a state-of-the-art training complex in May, hit back with two goals from Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo. The ex-Bristol City man struck in the 64th and 76th minutes to pull his side level at 2 2.

Semenyo’s standout moments in 2024/25

YEN.com.gh recently highlighted the top five moments of Antoine Semenyo’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign with Bournemouth.

The Black Stars forward, who penned a new contract ahead of the season, reached a major milestone by delivering crucial goals for his side — including a memorable strike against Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United.

Source: YEN.com.gh