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Man banned from all UK stadiums after racist abuse of Semenyo

A 47-year-old man has been banned from attending any football stadium in the UK after being arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The incident, which occurred during the season's opening match at Anfield, prompted a brief halt in play and a police investigation that is ongoing, with Semenyo himself praising the unity shown by the football community.

Man banned from all UK stadiums after racist abuse of Semenyo

A man arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during the opening Premier League match of the season at Anfield has been banned from all football stadiums across the UK.

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The incident took place during the match between Liverpool and Bournemouth on Friday, when play was briefly stopped in the 29th minute after the Cherries' forward brought the abuse to the attention of the referee.

Merseyside Police announced that a 47-year-old man from Liverpool, who was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense, has been conditionally bailed. The conditions of his bail include a strict ban on attending any regulated football match in the UK and a requirement to stay at least one mile away from any designated football stadium.

The police force stated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and that they are working closely with Liverpool Football Club.

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Following the match, the 25-year-old Ghana international took to social media to express his gratitude and reflect on the incident. Semenyo wrote that the night at Anfield would stay with him forever "because of how the entire football family stood together." He specifically thanked his teammates, the Liverpool players and fans, and the Premier League officials "who handled it professionally."