Liverpool, December 10, 2025 – A 47-year-old Liverpool supporter has been formally charged by Merseyside Police with racially abusing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during the opening-day Premier League fixture at Anfield on August 16.
Mark Mogan, of Templehill Close, Dovecot, has been charged with a racially aggravated Section 5 Public Order offence. He has been released on conditional bail and is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 22.
The incident occurred in the first half of Liverpool’s 4-2 victory when Semenyo, preparing to take a throw-in near the disabled section of the Main Stand, was targeted by a spectator in a wheelchair. Television footage showed the Ghanaian international gesturing toward the fan, who wheeled himself forward before spinning away. Semenyo immediately alerted referee Anthony Taylor, prompting a four-minute stoppage while both managers, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, and the two captains were consulted on the touchline.
At half-time, a public announcement was made asking supporters to refrain from racist abuse. Shortly afterwards, a man in a wheelchair was escorted along the touchline and out of the stadium by security staff.
Semenyo went on to score twice in the second half, earning man-of-the-match honours despite the ordeal. After the game, he posted an emotional message on social media thanking both sets of players and the majority of Liverpool fans for their support, while condemning the individual responsible.
Merseyside Police arrested a 47-year-old man the following day on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He was initially released on bail for three months while enquiries continued, and a UK-wide football banning order was imposed, preventing him from attending any regulated match.
Tuesday’s charging decision followed a detailed investigation that included witness statements, CCTV review, and a formal interview with Semenyo himself.
Liverpool FC issued a strong statement at the time, saying they were “appalled” by any form of discrimination and would fully cooperate with the police. The club has since reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward racism and pledged to support any additional sanctions, including a potential lifetime ban from Anfield.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised Semenyo’s resilience, noting that the player’s brace after the incident demonstrated remarkable character. Captain Lewis Cook added that the entire squad had rallied around their teammate.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out welcomed the charge, describing it as an important step in tackling abuse inside stadiums. The organisation highlighted a continuing rise in reported racist incidents across English football this season and called for stronger preventative measures.
The case is the latest in a series of high-profile prosecutions for spectator racism in the Premier League. If convicted, Mogan faces a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a football banning order of up to ten years.
For Antoine Semenyo, who has continued to impress on the pitch, contributing five goals and three assists in 15 appearances this season. The 25-year-old has spoken openly about the emotional toll of such incidents but says the overwhelming support he received that day at Anfield has strengthened his resolve.
As the legal process moves forward, the charge serves as a stark reminder that, despite years of campaigns and improved reporting mechanisms, racist abuse remains a persistent stain on English football. Both clubs and authorities have vowed to ensure the strongest possible consequences for those found guilty.
