
Semenyo Calls for Jail and Life Bans Over Racist Abuse
Semenyo Calls for Jail and Life Bans Over Racist Abuse
Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo has urged football authorities to impose tougher punishments for racist abuse, including potential prison sentences and lifetime bans.
The Ghana international was racially abused during Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on the opening day of the Premier League season. The match was briefly paused while referee Anthony Taylor discussed the allegations with both managers and captains.
Police Action and Stadium Ban
Merseyside Police arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated offence. He has appeared in court and is currently barred from attending any football stadium in the UK under bail conditions.
But Semenyo believes more must be done:
“It could be jail time, it could be banned from stadiums for a lifetime. I feel like there has to be something else.”
Racism On and Off the Pitch
Semenyo went on to score twice in the second half against Liverpool but said the abuse left him angry and frustrated, particularly after also receiving racial slurs online following the match.
“Why would you want to do that? It just shows that what the Premier League is doing is not enough.”
He added that players cannot understand why racism remains so widespread inside stadiums and on social media.
Premier League Response
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters reiterated the league’s stance:
“If you are found using discriminatory language in a football ground, you will be ejected, banned, and may face criminal charges. No player should suffer this abuse at work or online.”
Despite ongoing campaigns, players like Semenyo believe stricter punishments are needed to act as a deterrent and help eradicate racism from football.
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