A disabled man accused of racially abusing Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo at Anfield has been handed a ban from all football stadiums in the UK.

Ban from approaching stadiums

The incident took place during the opening match of the season, when Bournemouth faced Liverpool. The game was briefly halted in the 29th minute after Semenyo reported the abuse to the referee. A day later, a 47-year-old man who uses a wheelchair was arrested. Merseyside Police confirmed that he was released on bail but has been banned from entering any football stadium in the UK until the investigation is complete.

In a statement issued on Monday, police said: We can confirm that a man has been conditionally bailed after he was arrested following reports that racist abuse was directed towards Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo. [...] He has now been bailed with conditions, which includes not to attend any regulated football match in the UK and not to go within one mile of a designated football stadium. [...].

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Semenyo thanks for the support

Semenyo, who scored twice in the match, released an emotional statement: What happened yesterday at Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of the words of one person, but because of how the whole football community came together in that moment. [...] Scoring two goals was my way of saying what matters most on the pitch. I play for moments like this – for my teammates, for everyone who believes in the beauty of this sport. The incredible support I’ve received from across the football world reminds me why I love this game. We move forward – together.