Semenyo now plays for Manchester City but was at Bournemouth when the alleged racist abuse took place/ Image @ Reuters
Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo was reportedly left stunned after allegedly being subjected to racist abuse by a Liverpool supporter during a Premier League encounter at Anfield, a court has heard.
The incident allegedly occurred on August 15, 2025, when the forward was representing Bournemouth against Liverpool.
Prosecutors told Liverpool Magistrates’ Court that Mark Mogan, 47, allegedly directed a racial slur at the player as he prepared to take a throw-in.
Antoine Semenyo was playing for Bournemouth when the alleged incident happened during a match against Liverpool in August 2025/ Press Association
Simon Jones, representing the prosecution, said the footballer appeared distressed and momentarily stopped in disbelief before informing referee Anthony Taylor when play was interrupted.
According to the prosecution, Mogan continued shouting offensive remarks while Semenyo avoided responding and proceeded with the restart.
The accused was subsequently escorted from the stadium during the interval.
The court was shown two short video recordings, which Jones said depicted Mogan behaving aggressively.
Witnesses also alleged that he spat out or threw chewing gum towards the Ghanaian winger, striking the right side of his shorts.
Mogan, 47, denies racially aggravated behaviour during the Premier League match at Anfield/Press Association
Neil Sherratt, a Liverpool supporter seated near Mogan during matches, told the court that he witnessed the accused move towards the pitch from the Main Stand’s designated disability section.
He recalled hearing him urge the footballer to hurry up before Semenyo turned in his direction with a surprised expression.
Another supporter, Nicholas Collins, reportedly described Mogan as becoming increasingly confrontational following the incident.
Collins also alleged that the defendant threatened to attack police officers if they attempted to approach him.
During a police interview conducted the following day, Mogan admitted shouting at Semenyo to speed up.
However, he claimed the player had insulted him by calling him “a cripple”, leaving him offended.
He further maintained that he discarded the chewing gum on the ground rather than throwing it at the footballer.
Jones rejected the defendant’s account, arguing that his explanation to investigators was untruthful.
Semenyo, who was born in London to Ghanaian parents and has represented Ghana at the FIFA World Cup, is expected to testify remotely through a video link.
Mogan, who resides in Dovecot, Liverpool, has denied the charge of racially aggravated behaviour.
The trial is continuing.
By Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong