A disabled Liverpool supporter arrested for allegedly racially abusing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo at Anfield has been named as 47-year-old Mark Mogan.
Mogan, a season ticket holder, was escorted from the stadium during half-time of Friday’s Premier League fixture after eyewitnesses and stewards identified him along the touchline. TV footage showed Semenyo exchange words with a wheelchair user in the disabled section before turning away.
Police confirmed that Mogan, who lives in a social housing bungalow in Liverpool with his mother, has been bailed for three months while investigations continue. As part of his bail conditions, he is barred from attending football matches and must report back to police in November.
Mogan, who has been in a wheelchair since birth due to a medical condition and receives disability benefits, faces the prospect of a lifetime ban from Liverpool Football Club if found guilty.
In a statement, Liverpool FC said: “We are aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth. We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football.”
One witness noted the irony of the incident: “All three goal scorers were black, which was quite fitting really. The fella had a ‘no room for racism’ badge on his shirt.”
Supporters have also raised concerns about the surge in derogatory comments aimed at disability in response to the case. “Discrimination is discrimination,” said one. “If you’re making your jokes about disability off the back of this, you’re just as bad.”
Merseyside Police said the investigation remains ongoing.