Footballer Antoine Semenyo ‘froze’ after alleged racial abuse at Anfield, court told

Ghanaian footballer Antoine Semenyo appeared visibly shaken following an alleged incident of racial abuse from Liverpool fan Mark Mogan at Anfield during the Premier League's opening match on August 15th, 2025, according to court proceedings. Prosecutor Simon Jones stated that Semenyo froze during the game after Mogan made an offensive slur directed at the player.

Semenyo reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor, and Mogan was removed from the stadium at halftime. Video footage corroborated the account, showing Mogan in an agitated state and throwing chewing gum at Semenyo, who completed the throw-in. Witnesses reported hearing Mogan shout obscenities and even threatening police if they approached him.

Mark Mogan, 47, denies the charges of racially aggravated behavior, while testifying that he only instructed Semenyo to hurry up. Mogan's police statement contradicted the prosecution's version. The case has garnered significant attention in Ghana, where Semenyo is a respected member of the national team. The Ghanaian public has called for stricter accountability against racial abuse in international football.