Court hears Semenyo was left shocked by alleged racist abuse at Anfield

Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo was reportedly left stunned after allegedly being racially abused by a Liverpool supporter during Bournemouth’s Premier League match at Anfield in August 2025.

Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard that Mark Mogan, 47, allegedly directed a racist insult at Semenyo as he prepared to take a throw-in during the opening match of the 2025/26 season on August 15.

Prosecutor Simon Jones told the court: “Mr Semenyo briefly froze as he couldn’t believe what the male had said.”

Semenyo was said to have been visibly upset and reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor when play stopped. Prosecutors also alleged that Mogan continued shouting at the player and threw chewing gum that struck the right side of his shorts. He was escorted from the stadium at half-time.

Liverpool supporter Neil Sherratt, who sits beside Mogan at matches, told the court he heard the defendant tell Semenyo to hurry up. He said the footballer turned towards Mogan with a shocked expression.

Another supporter, Nicholas Collins, alleged that Mogan became “very cocky and brazen” following the incident and threatened to assault police officers if they approached him.

In a police interview the following day, Mogan acknowledged shouting at Semenyo to hurry up. However, he claimed Semenyo had called him “a cripple”, which upset him. He also denied throwing chewing gum at the footballer, saying he had thrown it onto the floor.

The prosecution argues that Mogan lied during the interview. He denies racially aggravated behaviour.

Semenyo, who was born in London to Ghanaian parents and has represented Ghana at the World Cup, is expected to give evidence via video link.

The trial is continuing.

Source: BBC