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By ADRIAN BISHOP, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 21: 00 AEST, 16 August 2025 | Updated: 23: 21 AEST, 16 August 2025 15 View comments Virgil van Dijk condemned the 'disgraceful' racist abuse Antoine Semenyo was allegedly subjected to in Liverpool's clash with Bournemouth. Arne Slot's men welcomed the Cherries to Anfield on Friday in the first game of the 2025-26 campaign. In a competitive clash Liverpool ultimately secured all three points to mark a successful start to their Premier League title defence. However, the result was marred by scenes during the game involving Bournemouth striker Semenyo. As the 25-year-old prepared to take a throw-in during the first half he appeared to be heckled by a Liverpool fan from the stands. Semenyo brought the incident to the attention of referee Anthony Taylor, and the match was promptly paused temporarily. Virgil van Dijk revealed he had spoken to Antoine Semenyo regarding alleged racist abuse targeted at the Bournemouth striker Semenyo appeared to be heckled by a Liverpool fan during the first-half of Friday's Premier League opener It has been alleged that the person who directed the abuse at Semenyo was a Liverpool fan sitting in a wheelchair in the bottom row of Anfield's Main Stand. The supporter was then escorted out of the stands by police. Speaking following the game, Reds captain Van Dijk revealed that he had spoken with Semenyo regarding the incident. 'I've had loads of conversations with him about it and first and foremost I wanted to know what happened and I am glad the authorities are dealing with it all, that is the main thing. ' The Dutch defender said. 'But we stand with him completely and I think everyone of you here would say the same thing: these things can't happen. So anything he needs for support, I am here for him. 'We are all here for him, to be honest but the club as well and they are dealing with it in the right way, I am fully confident about that. 'Especially the authorities have to deal with it now and like I said these things can't happen, whatsoever. ' Asked whether he is surprised that such incidents still plague the sport Van Dijk added: 'No I can't believe it. Play was temporarily paused while both teams' managers consulted referee Anthony Taylor Van Dijk called the incident an 'absolute disgrace' and pledged his support for Semenyo 'I can say these things that it shouldn't happen but unfortunately it does and it is an absolute disgrace in my eyes. ' Asked his view on the wider issue of racism in football Van Dijk reiterated his support for Semenyo. He added: 'First and foremost these things should never happen in the world, not only football. I am happy to say I don't see it happening up until today actually and that is what I say that it is a disgrace that it could happen. 'But in general racism is not of this world in my opinion, but if we are to be realistic, unfortunately, it still exists and that is the dangerous side of it. 'We have to deal with it in the here and now and like I said, I am here for Antoine, whenever he needs it and we are here as a club to deal with it in the best way possible because it shouldn't happen. '
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