Court hears Semenyo 'froze' after alleged racist abuse at Anfield

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 incident occurred on 15 August 2025, when Semenyo was playing for Bournemouth against Liverpool.

Alleged Incident and Testimony

Prosecutors stated that Mark Mogan, 47, shouted a racist insult at Semenyo as the player prepared to take a throw-in about 30 minutes into the match. Prosecutor Simon Jones told Liverpool Magistrates' Court that Mogan, who uses a wheelchair, shouted: "Hurry up and take the throw-in, you black b*****d."

Jones said: "That racial abuse was shouted directly at Antoine Semenyo, who was close to him. Mr Semenyo briefly froze as he couldn't believe what the male had said."

The court heard that Mogan then shouted further abuse, saying: "I'm talking to you, you c***". Jones noted that Semenyo did not respond and proceeded to take the throw-in, but was "clearly hurt and upset" by the abuse. Semenyo reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor when the ball next went out of play.

Witness Accounts and Video Evidence

Two short video clips were shown to the court, with Jones describing Mogan as being in an "agitated and angry state". Witnesses reportedly saw Mogan throw chewing gum at Semenyo, hitting the right side of his shorts. Jones described this action as "plainly an unsavoury action from an angry man."

Neil Sherratt, a Liverpool supporter who sits next to Mogan at matches, provided a statement read to the court. Sherratt said he saw Mogan approach the pitch from the disabled section of the Main Stand. He heard Mogan shout something along the lines of "hurry up" and observed Semenyo turn towards him with a shocked expression. Sherratt believed Semenyo replied: "you what".

Another fan, Nicholas Collins, stated that Mogan became "very cocky and brazen" after the incident. Collins said Mogan threatened to assault police if they approached him, saying: "If the bizzies (police) come I'm going to deck them. I'm not going anywhere."

Defendant's Account

Mogan, of Templehill Close, Dovecot, denies racially aggravated behaviour. He had an intermediary with him in court. During a police interview the following day, Mogan claimed he had shouted at Semenyo to "hurry up" because the footballer had called him "a cripple", which had upset him. Mogan also stated that he threw chewing gum on to the floor rather than at Semenyo.

Jones told the court that the prosecution's case is that Mogan "clearly lied" during his police interview. Mogan was removed from the stadium at half-time.

Why it matters

Semenyo, who was born in London to Ghanaian parents and has represented Ghana in the World Cup, is now playing for Manchester City. He is expected to give evidence over a videolink. The trial continues at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

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Sources

• bbc.com: Antoine Semenyo 'froze' after alleged racist abuse at Anfield, court told
• skysports.com: Antoine Semenyo: Manchester City forward ‘froze’ after alleged racial abuse by Liverpool fan, court hears | Football News | Sky Sports

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.