Gary Neville condemns racist abuse directed at Antoine Semenyo at Anfield

Gary Neville has condemned the racist abuse aimed at Antoine Semenyo during Bournemouth’s clash with Liverpool, calling the incident “disgusting” and a dark stain on what should have been a joyful night for football.

Liverpool opened their Premier League season with a 4-2 win at Anfield, but the match was stopped briefly in the first half after Semenyo reported abuse from the stands. Neville, working as a Sky Sports pundit, expressed deep disappointment that such behavior continues to surface in English football.

“This casts a shadow over what should have been an amazing evening. The first match of the Premier League season, a beautiful day, 62,000 fans in the stadium, and this guy was subjected to racist abuse and had to go to the referee to report it.

“It’s disgusting. I can’t even imagine what could come into someone’s mind to do that. Yet it happened, and unfortunately, it will continue to happen, which is tragic,” said the former Manchester United defender.