Everton supporter detained over alleged racist abuse of Semenyo during Premier League clash
The incident marks the second time this season the Manchester City forward has been targeted; Everton FC condemns the behaviour and pledges support for the ongoing investigation
Merseyside Police have detained a 71-year-old Everton supporter on suspicion of committing a racially aggravated public order offence during the Premier League fixture between Everton and Manchester City. The arrest took place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium following reports that the individual shouted racist abuse at Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo.
The match concluded with a 3-3 draw, but the focus has shifted to the conduct of the crowd. Police stated that the arrest followed reports from both stewards and other supporters regarding the alleged abuse. A police spokesperson confirmed that an investigation into the incident remains ongoing and that authorities are working closely with Everton FC to resolve the matter.
The suspect, identified as a man from Nottinghamshire, has been released on bail subject to strict conditions. These conditions prohibit him from approaching any designated sports stadium within a one-mile radius during specific timeframes surrounding the game. The restrictions apply for four hours before kick-off, throughout the duration of the match, and for four hours after the game has ended.
Everton FC has issued a statement condemning the behaviour as completely unacceptable, asserting that racism and discrimination have no place in their stadia, sport, or society. The club pledged to work closely with the authorities to support the investigation and indicated they would take the strongest possible action in line with their zero-tolerance approach to such offences.
This incident represents the second time this season that Semenyo has been targeted by racist abuse. The Ghana international previously reported being racially abused by a spectator during a match against Bournemouth at Liverpool earlier in the campaign, an event that led him to call for stronger measures, including prison sentences, to tackle racism in football.
Manchester City has praised the swift action taken by Everton and Merseyside Police in response to the incident. The club also noted that England defender Marc Guehi suffered from a series of vile racist social media posts following the match, adding to the concerns regarding discrimination within the game.
