Merseyside police have arrested a man in the aftermath of Friday's Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth, which was briefly halted after Antoine Semenyo reported that a racist remark had been directed at him.

The BBC reported Saturday that a 47-year-old man — who was ejected from Anfield shortly after a pause in play over the incident — had been arrested suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. Semenyo would go on to score twice as Bournemouth threatened to come from two goals down against the Premier League champions, who eventually claimed a 4-2 win in what was the first game of the 2025-26 season.

At halftime of the USA Network's broadcast of the match, video was briefly shown highlighting a fan in a Liverpool shirt approaching the advertising boards to scream at Semenyo as he took a throw-in. Shortly thereafter, referee Anthony Taylor halted the match, bringing both managers and captains together in the 29th minute.

Semenyo spoke out about the incident Saturday, taking to Instagram to say that what he would remember is how "the entire football family stood together" in responding to the incident.

"To my [Bournemouth] teammates who supported me in that moment, to the [Liverpool] players and fans who showed their true character, to the [Premier League] officials who handled it professionally - thank you," wrote Semenyo. "Football showed its best side when it mattered most."

Multiple players from both teams approached Semenyo at halftime and after the match, with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk telling reporters that the remarks were "an absolute disgrace." The Premier League stated after the match that the incident would be investigated from their end, while both clubs offered statements backing Semenyo.

"A great player but above all, a great human being," wrote Bournemouth on X. "Only a strong character shows such resilience in those circumstances. We love you and are all with you, Antoine." Liverpool provided a statement saying that an investigation is something they would welcome, adding "We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football."

The incident marred a game that may have instead been remembered for emotional pre-game scenes, with supporters from both clubs honoring Diogo Jota, the late Liverpool forward who passed away this summer after a car crash in Spain.

This article originally appeared on Pro Soccer Wire: Fan arrested after Semenyo reports racist remark during Liverpool vs. Bournemouth

Reporting by Jason Anderson, Pro Soccer Wire / Pro Soccer Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect