Semenyo ‘froze’ after alleged racist abuse, court told

Footballer Antoine Semenyo, who was playing for Bournemouth at the time, "froze" after receiving alleged racist abuse from a 47-year-old Liverpool fan, Mark Mogan, during a Premier League match at Anfield, a court has heard. According to prosecutors, Semenyo was "clearly hurt and upset" and immediately reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor when the ball went out of play.

Mogan, who uses a wheelchair, allegedly shouted a racist insult at Semenyo, who "couldn't believe what the male had said," causing him to "freeze." Mogan was removed from the stadium at half-time, and two short video clips were shown in court, depicting an "agitated and angry" Mogan. Witnesses testified that Mogan threatened to assault police if approached and that he threw chewing gum at Semenyo, which hit the right side of his shorts.

Liverpool supporter Neil Sherratt, who sat next to Mogan at matches, saw him approach the pitch from the disabled section and heard Mogan shout something like "hurry up." Another Liverpool fan, Nicholas Collins, claimed Mogan became "very cocky and brazen" after the incident and threatened police. Mogan denies the allegations of racially aggravated behavior, claiming he only shouted at Semenyo to hurry up.

He stated that Semenyo called him "a cripple," upsetting him, and that he threw the chewing gum on the floor. The prosecution argues Mogan lied during his police interview. Semenyo, born in London to Ghanaian parents and a Ghanaian World Cup representative, is expected to provide testimony via video link. Mogan, from Templehill Close, Dovecot, denies the charges. The trial continues.