Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has condemned the racist abuse directed at Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo as a “disgrace”, calling for greater efforts to educate the next generation. The incident during Liverpool’s 4-2 win at Anfield saw referee Anthony Taylor halt play briefly after Semenyo reported a complaint.
Liverpool issued a statement condemning racism and discrimination, emphasising it has no place in society or football. Merseyside Police and the Premier League have launched investigations. Van Dijk acknowledged the problem extends beyond football, noting that campaigns such as taking the knee have not eradicated the issue.
“What else can we do? Because this is the very odd one that has managed to say something that is obviously a disgrace,” said Van Dijk. “The only thing we can do is deal with it by dealing with him personally and try to educate the next generation. That is the only way to try and kick it out, in my opinion.”
Semenyo, who scored twice in the match, later shared another racist message he received on Instagram, asking: “When will it stop……” Van Dijk offered full support to the forward. “I am here for Antoine, whenever he needs it and we are here as a club to deal with it in the best way possible because it shouldn’t happen,” he added.
