Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed full support for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo after the 25-year-old reported racial abuse during the first half of the Premier League season opener at Anfield.
The match was briefly paused just before the half-hour mark after Semenyo spoke to referee Anthony Taylor about the alleged incident. Merseyside Police later confirmed that a 47-year-old man had been ejected from the stadium and that an investigation is ongoing.
Speaking to reporters after the Reds’ 4-2 win, van Dijk revealed that he had discussed the incident with Semenyo and was glad to see the authorities react quickly.
“I’ve had loads of conversations with him about it. First and foremost, I wanted to know what happened. I am glad the authorities are dealing with it all. That is the main thing.
But we stand with him completely and I think every one 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.”
Liverpool ultimately secured victory through late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, but the result was overshadowed by the incident.
Van Dijk stressed that while racism unfortunately persists, it must be challenged and addressed immediately.
“No, I can’t believe it. I can say these things shouldn’t happen, but unfortunately they do, and it is an absolute disgrace in my eyes. 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, and that is why I say it is a disgrace that it could happen.
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. 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.”
The defender also highlighted the importance of education and campaigns like Kick Racism Out of Football in addressing the issue for future generations.
“What else can we do? Because this is a very odd one that has managed to be something that is a disgrace. The only thing we can do is deal with it personally and try to educate the next generation. That is the only way we can try to kick it out. It’s tricky, but it’s the only way we can make a difference.”
Liverpool and the Premier League have consistently supported initiatives aimed at eradicating racism in football, and Van Dijk’s comments underline the ongoing commitment of players and clubs to support victims and educate fans.
