Footballer Semenyo 'froze' after alleged racist abuse, court told

Image source, Press Association Image caption, Antoine Semenyo was playing for Bournemouth when the alleged incident happened during a match against Liverpool in August 2025

Footballer Antoine Semenyo "froze" after he was allegedly racially abused by a Liverpool fan during a Premier League match at Anfield, a court has heard.

The Manchester City winger, who was playing for Bournemouth at the time, was preparing to take a throw-in when Mark Mogan, 47, allegedly shouted a racist insult at him on 15 August 2025.

Prosecutors said Semenyo was "clearly hurt and upset" and reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor when the ball next went out of play.

Mogan, of Dovecot, Liverpool, denies racially aggravated behaviour.

Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard Mogan, who uses a wheelchair, shouted an offensive slur about 30 minutes into the opening match of the Premier League season.