Police have apprehended a 71-year-old Everton fan from Nottinghamshire, who reportedly racially abused Antoine Semenyo. He is reported to have been arrested on a “racially aggravated public order offence”.

The just-ended Man City-Everton game, which happened on May 5 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, marks the third time in this Premier League season that Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo has been subjected to racist abuse.

According to reports, fans and stewards drew authorities' attention to the fact that racist remarks had been directed at the player.

Both Everton and Manchester City have since condemned the incident and say they are cooperating with authorities as investigations continue.

Semenyo’s teammate, Marc Guéhi, was also subjected to racist abuse online after conceding possession to Thierno Barry, which led to an Everton goal.

“We welcome the swift action taken by Everton and the police to identify the individual responsible. We are also incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guéhi was subject to a series of vile racist social media posts last night,” a section of Man City’s statement read.

Similar incidents of racism targeted at Semenyo

Ghana international forward Antoine Semenyo last month reported fresh racial abuse targeting him on social media. The Man City player showcased a stunning display during his side’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London on Sunday, April 12, marking the second time in the 2025/26 English Premier League season.

Semenyo, who completed the full 90 minutes, later shared a post on Instagram celebrating the victory but was met with a racially abusive comment.

Responding to the abuse, he wrote: “It’s started again…”, referencing a previous incident in December 2025 during his spell at AFC Bournemouth, when he was targeted following a 4-2 defeat to Liverpool.

The incident has reignited concerns about the persistent problem of online racism in football, despite ongoing anti-discrimination campaigns across the sport.

Meanwhile, the Ghana international was subjected to racist abuse during a clash on Friday, August 15, against Liverpool.

During the first half of the Premier League opener, Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in when a 47-year-old man made an offensive comment at him. According to reports, Semenyo asked the man to repeat what he said; he did and even threw gum at him.

Semenyo immediately reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor, who paused the match in the 28th minute. The suspect was subsequently seen leaving the stadium with police and was later held in custody for a racially aggravated public order offence, according to Merseyside Police on Monday.

He was, however, granted bail on the condition that he does not attend any regulated football match in the UK and is prohibited from going within one mile of any designated football stadium. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Reacting to the incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in an official statement issued on Sunday, August 17, said the sport has zero tolerance for discrimination and any form of abuse, praising Antoine’s resilience and strong display despite the emotional distress.

“It is absolutely unacceptable to see the racist abuse aimed at AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, which led to a stoppage of their Premier League match against Liverpool FC at Anfield last night. Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination. Antoine’s courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide,” parts of the statement read.