Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has spoken out after receiving a new wave of racist abuse, posting “when will it stop” on Instagram in response to monkey emojis left under one of his photographs.
The Ghana international was already subjected to vile racist abuse from a Liverpool fan in a wheelchair during Friday night’s Premier League opener at Anfield. The supporter was ejected by police after allegedly directing slurs at Semenyo as he prepared to take a throw-in.
But the fresh abuse came after the game, which Liverpool won 4-2 despite a brace from Semenyo. Sharing a screenshot of monkey emojis posted under his picture, the 24-year-old added the caption: “when will it stop”, making clear his anger and frustration.
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith was furious when asked about the incident after the match, describing the abuse as “disgusting”. Both Liverpool and Bournemouth confirmed they are working with Merseyside Police as investigations continue.
Football authorities and anti-racism campaigners, including Kick It Out, strongly condemned the abuse, saying it underlined how much more needs to be done to tackle racism both inside stadiums and across social media platforms.
Liverpool said the supporter involved in the Anfield incident had been removed and pledged to cooperate fully with police inquiries. A Merseyside Police spokesperson confirmed the matter was under investigation.
Despite the abuse, Semenyo was outstanding on the pitch, scoring twice in a dramatic match that also marked Liverpool’s first Premier League outing since the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. But his Instagram message laid bare the personal toll of repeated racist attacks, with supporters and fellow players rallying around him online.