The Ghana Football Association has issued a powerful statement reaffirming its unwavering support for Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo after the disturbing racial abuse he endured during Bournemouth’s Premier League opener at Anfield.
In the strongly worded statement, the GFA declared:
“We stand firmly with our Black Stars forward, Antoine Semenyo, following the racial abuse he suffered at Anfield.
In the face of provocation, Antoine showed strength, grace, and unity. On the pitch, he scored twice; off it, he reminded us of what football truly represents — respect, solidarity, and love for the beautiful game.
We are proud of you, Antoine. We stand with you. #NoToRacism #BlackStars #GFA”
During the Premier League’s curtain-raiser on 15 August 2025, Semenyo was allegedly subjected to a racial slur from a spectator in the crowd, near the Main Stand, just before the 29th minute. Semenyo immediately reported the abuse to referee Anthony Taylor, who halted proceedings and followed the league’s anti-discrimination protocol. The suspected offender—a 47-year-old man—was quickly identified, ejected from the stadium, and later arrested by Merseyside Police on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence .
In the aftermath, an anti-discrimination message was broadcast at halftime, and the Premier League, Liverpool FC, The Football Association, and FIFA all denounced the incident and pledged full support and investigation. FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel, part of its anti-racism initiative, offered Semenyo support .
Semenyo’s response was nothing short of exemplary: Despite the abuse, he displayed remarkable composure and form, scoring a brace in the second half to level the score before Liverpool edged a 4-2 victory . In a heartfelt social media post, he wrote:
“Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever—not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together. … Football showed its best side when it mattered most.”
He added: “Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch … We keep moving forward, together.”
Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever - not because of one person's words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.
— Antoine Semenyo (@semenyo924) August 16, 2025
To my @afcbournemouth teammates who supported me in that moment, to the @LiverpoolFC players and fans who showed their true… pic.twitter.com/6sNyv3vROK
GFA President Kurt Okraku described the incident as “unacceptable and deeply regrettable,” applauding Semenyo’s character, which he described as defined by “grace, dignity, and strength of character.” He commended Semenyo’s ability to focus on the solidarity shown rather than the abuse and affirmed that the Ghanaian football family stands firmly behind him in the fight against racism .
