Semenyo 'froze' after alleged racist abuse, court told

A Liverpool fan denies racially aggravated behaviour during a match against Bournemouth in 2025. Antoine Semenyo was playing for Bournemouth when the alleged incident happened during a match against Liverpool in August 2025 Footballer Antoine Semenyo "froze" after he was allegedly racially abused by a Liverpool fan during a Premier League match at Anfield, a court has heard. The Manchester City winger, who was playing for Bournemouth at the time, was preparing to take a throw-in when Mark Mogan, 47, allegedly shouted a racist insult at him on 15 August 2025. Prosecutors said Semenyo was "clearly hurt and upset" and reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor when the ball next went out of play.

Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard Mogan, who uses a wheelchair, shouted an offensive slur about 30 minutes into the opening match of the Premier League season. Prosecutor Simon Jones said: "Mr Semenyo briefly froze as he couldn't believe what the male had said." Mogan, 47, denies racially aggravated behaviour during the Premier League match at Anfield The court heard Mogan then shouted further abuse at Semenyo, who did not respond and went on to take the throw-in. Mogan was removed from the stadium at half-time, the court was told. Two short video clips were shown to the court, with Jones describing Mogan as being in an