Police investigate alleged racist abuse at Anfield as Liverpool release statement

Liverpool have issued a strongly worded statement after an alleged racist incident during their win over Bournemouth. Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo reported the matter to referee Anthony Taylor, with the game briefly stopped as Taylor spoke to figures from both teams.

"Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth," the Premier League holders said. "We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football.

"The club is unable to comment further as tonight’s alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully," they added. Bournemouth's captain Adam Smith and manager Andoni Iraola also commented on the matter when speaking to Sky Sports after the match, as did Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

"The club made a clear statement. We don't want this in football, we don't want this happening in stadiums, especially not at Anfield," Slot said.

"We should talk about this for a long time because we do not want this at Anfield. It takes the shine off it a bit because our fans were amazing, especially with the tributes to Diogo [Jota]."

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"Straight away Antoine and the referee told us," Iraola said when addressing the alleged abuse. "The person has been identified.

"It is a big shame these things keep happening. First game of the season, a lovely game of football and I have to speak about these things happening. A big shame."

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