Scoring those two goals was the only language that truly mattered – Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo reacts after racial abuse in EPL opener

Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has issued a heartfelt response after enduring racial abuse during Bournemouth’s Premier League opener at Anfield. The unwanted incident sparked concern and solidarity across football.

Despite the interruption, Semenyo turned the narrative on its head—scoring twice to level the match before Liverpool edged a 4–2 win. He later posted on Instagram:

“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… Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play—for moments like these, for my teammates… The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together.” 

The incident prompted the arrest of a 47-year-old man by Merseyside Police on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense . Bournemouth’s coach and captain condemned the abuse, highlighting Semenyo’s strength in overcoming adversity and responding with performance.