FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned racism that was directed at AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during their English Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Friday, which led to the game being temporarily stopped.
The match started with Reds fans, players and technical staff paying tribute to fallen star Diogo Jota, but the encounter was marred by the unfortunate incident where Semenyo is said to have been racially abused by a Liverpool fan in a wheelchair which led to the fan being removed from the stadium.
The highly entertaining match ended 4-2 in Liverpool’s favour, but Infantino was displeased with what had transpired during the game.
“It is absolutely unacceptable the racist abuse aimed at AFC Bournemouth Antoine Semenyo which led to a stoppage of their Premier League match against Liverpool FC at Anfield on last night,” Infantino said.
“Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination, Antoine’s courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide.
“Everyone at FIFA, The Players’ Voice Panel and the whole football community stands firmly with Antoine. We will continue to offer our unequivocal support to him, Bournemouth, the Premier League, and The FA to ensure strong deterrents are in place and actions taken to eradicate racism and discrimination from our game,” the statement read.
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