Manchester City is providing support to forward Antoine Semenyo after he revealed further instances of racial abuse this season. Semenyo, 26, recently shared a screenshot of a racist comment on his Instagram story, stating 'It's started again'. This incident comes after he reported being racially abused by a supporter during the season's opening match against Liverpool, while playing for his former team Bournemouth.
The referee, Anthony Taylor, halted play, and Semenyo went on to score twice in the 4-2 defeat. A 47-year-old man, Mark Mogan, was arrested and charged with a racially aggravated public order offence, which he denied in court. A trial is set to take place on April 22.
The Premier League has condemned the latest incident, stating, 'We are appalled at the unacceptable online racist abuse targeted at Antoine Semenyo and have offered our support to the player and club. Racism has no place in our game or anywhere in society.' The FA has also released a statement, echoing the Premier League's sentiments and emphasizing the need for collective action to address the issue. Both organizations have pledged to work together with clubs, football bodies, law enforcement, and social media companies to ensure that racism is prioritized and addressed. Any individuals found guilty of discrimination will face severe consequences, including custodial sentences, football banning orders, and criminal records.
Sky Sports is committed to maintaining a hate-free environment on its platforms, and fans are encouraged to report any instances of abuse or hate speech.