- Everton issued a statement condemning racism attack on Semenyo
- The fan has been arrested by the Merseyside Police
- Everton has emphasised that no racist is welcome at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton have confirmed that a supporter was arrested during Monday evening’s 3-3 Premier League draw with Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium following reports of racist abuse directed towards an opposition player. The incident involved Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who was the target of alleged racial remarks from a spectator.
The club acted swiftly, working with Merseyside Police, stewards and fellow supporters to identify the individual.
Club statement: ‘Racism has no place in our stadia’
In an official statement, Everton said: “Everton Football Club can confirm that a supporter was arrested during Monday evening’s 3-3 Premier League draw with Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium following reports of racist abuse directed towards an opposition player.
“Merseyside Police arrested a 71-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after supporters and stewards reported the incident. He has since been bailed with conditions, including restrictions preventing him from going within one mile of any designated sports stadium for a period of up to four hours before kick-off, during matches and up to four hours after the final whistle.
“Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadia, our sport or in society, and behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated.”
Police investigation and Semenyo’s previous experience
Merseyside Police issued their own statement. “A 71-year-old man from Nottinghamshire was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after supporters and stewards reported that racist abuse was shouted by a fan. An investigation into the incident during the match remains ongoing and we continue to work closely with Everton Football Club.”
The incident is not the first time Semenyo has faced such abuse. While at Bournemouth, the forward was racially abused during a match against Liverpool, highlighting a recurring issue that football continues to confront.
Everton’s zero-tolerance stance has been clear throughout. The club has repeatedly emphasised that discrimination will not be tolerated, and the swift arrest demonstrates a commitment to acting on that. The matter now rests with the police investigation, but the message from Everton is unmistakable. Racists are not welcome at Hill Dickinson Stadium, nor anywhere else in football.
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