Antoine Semenyo was shocked by alleged racist slur at Anfield, court hears

Ghanaian international footballer Antoine Semenyo was reportedly left in shock and "froze" during a Premier League match at Anfield after being subjected to racial abuse, a court has heard. The details emerged during the trial of 47-year-old Mark Mogan, who is facing charges of racially aggravated behavior following an incident during a match on August 15, 2025. Prosecutors described how the verbal assault left the player visibly upset, prompting him to immediately report the matter to the match referee.

The court was told that the abuse occurred while Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in. Witnesses testified to Mogan’s aggressive demeanor, with some accounts alleging that the supporter also threw chewing gum at the Ghanaian player. Mogan, a Liverpool supporter who uses a wheelchair, was identified and removed from the stadium by security at half-time following the reports. Video evidence of the confrontation was presented to the court to support the prosecution's case.

Mogan has denied the accusations of racially aggravated behavior, though he admitted to shouting at the player to "hurry up" during the game. The trial, which is being closely monitored in Ghana, recently faced an adjournment after Mogan suffered a medical emergency during the proceedings. As the case continues, Semenyo is expected to provide his own evidence to the court via videolink to detail the impact the incident had on him and his ability to continue the match. The case highlights ongoing efforts to address racism within professional football and ensure the protection of players on the field.