The champions started with a win but the night was overshadowed by Antoine Semenyo reporting he was subject to racist abuse

The 2025-26 Premier League season started with a six-goal thriller between Liverpool and Bournemouth on Friday, but was quickly overshadowed

A 47-year-old Liverpool fan who was last seen in a wheelchair was arrested Saturday after allegedly shouting racial slurs at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in a stunning scene that led to Friday’s Premier League opener in England being delayed for several minutes.

Live coverage of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on the opening night of the 2025–26 season.

The ugly incident of a fan racially abusing Antoine Semenyo during Liverpool's 4-2 victory over Bournemouth has resulted in an arrest. In the 30th minute of play, Semenyo reported racist abuse from the stands and the match was stopped by referee Anthony Taylor before being resumed while an anti-discrimination message was delivered to the crowd.

Liverpool players and fans have paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, at the first competitive match at Anfield since their death last month.

Referee Anthony Taylor halted the first half after Semenyo was abused by supporter. The Bournemouth striker preparing to take throw in, was spat on and insulted by fan seated in the disabled section. Officials quickly intervened removing the individual from the stadium.

Just as they had been in the Community Shield, the champions gave up too many counter attacks and were vulnerable to crosses and cutbacks