Photo via Sky Sports

Semenyo ‘froze’ after alleged racial abuse by Liverpool fan, court hears

Manchester City midfielder Antoine Semenyo reportedly stood motionless in shock after enduring a racially charged outburst from a Liverpool supporter during the Premier League’s opening match last season. The incident occurred on August 15, 2023, at Anfield, when Mark Mogan, a 47-year-old wheelchair user in the disabled section, allegedly shouted racial slurs—including a derogatory term—at Semenyo as he prepared to take a throw-in while playing for Bournemouth.

Witnesses described Semenyo’s stunned reaction, with one fan noting his visibly upset expression before the player later reported the abuse to referee Anthony Taylor, leading to Mogan’s removal at halftime. Court proceedings revealed Mogan’s denial of targeting Semenyo, claiming instead that the footballer had insulted him first, though prosecutors dismissed this account as false.

Security footage showed Mogan in an agitated state, even throwing chewing gum toward Semenyo, which struck his shorts. The trial continues as Semenyo is expected to testify via videolink, with Mogan facing charges of racially aggravated behavior.

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