Voices Against Hate
New Delhi
Bournemouth footballer Antoine Semenyo has spoken out strongly against racism in football, saying current actions are not enough and calling for tougher punishment, including jail time.
The incident happened during Bournemouth’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield. A man in the crowd shouted racial abuse at Semenyo, forcing referee Anthony Taylor to stop the match. After speaking with team captains and managers, the match resumed.
Later, Merseyside Police arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated offence. He was released on bail and banned from attending any football match in the UK.
Speaking to ITV, Semenyo said stronger actions like lifetime bans or jail should be considered. “There has to be something more. What’s being done isn’t enough,” he said.
Despite the abuse, Semenyo scored twice in the same match, showing great strength. But the racism continued online. After the game, he discovered hateful messages on Instagram. “It was painful. I just wanted to talk to family, and then I saw the abuse,” he shared.
Semenyo’s message is clear: racism in football must be stopped, and harsher punishments are needed to send a strong signal.