Antoine Semenyo allegedly racially abused by Liverpool fan, court hears
Touchline Abuse Stuns Semenyo on Opening Day
Footballer Antoine Semenyo froze after he was allegedly racially abused by a fan at a match, a court heard on Wednesday.
The incident occurred roughly 30 minutes into the opening match of the season on August 15 last year. Semenyo, then playing for Bournemouth and now signed with Manchester City, approached the touchline to take a throw-in when he encountered the alleged abuse.
Prosecution Outlines Details from the Main Stand
Simon Jones, prosecuting, told the court that 47-year-old Mark Mogan targeted the player from a disabled section of the Main Stand. According to the prosecution, Mogan shouted, “Hurry up and take the throw-in, you black b*****d,” while looking directly at the forward.
That racial abuse was shouted directly at Antoine Semenyo, who was close to him, Jones stated to the court. Mr Semenyo briefly froze as he couldn’t believe what the male had said.
Footballer Antoine Semenyo 'was racially abused by wheelchair-using Liverpool fan who also threw chewing gum at him' https://t.co/e4qSz8N52b
The prosecution outlined that the defendant followed the remark by shouting, “I’m talking to you, you c***.” Semenyo did not reply verbally, proceeding instead to execute the throw-in, though he appeared visibly hurt and upset by the exchange.
Referee Alerted and Security Ejects Supporter
When the ball went out of play next, the player reported the incident to match referee Anthony Taylor. Stadium security removed Mogan from the venue at half-time.
Two short video clips presented in court showed the defendant in an agitated and angry state. Witnesses stated that Mogan took chewing gum from his mouth and threw it, striking Semenyo on the right side of his shorts.
Witnesses Detail Defendant’s Reactions
Fellow Liverpool fan Neil Sherratt, seated next to Mogan, said in a statement read to the court that he saw the defendant leave his bay and approach the pitch. Sherratt noted that Semenyo turned with a shocked look and appeared to respond with “you what.”
Another witness, Nicholas Collins, testified that Mogan became very cocky and brazen after the incident, stating that if the police arrived he would deck them and refuse to leave.
Mogan Denies Racially Aggravated Behaviour Charge
Mogan, of Templehill Close, Dovecot, denies a charge of racially aggravated behaviour. During a police interview the following day, the defendant claimed he merely shouted at Semenyo to hurry up, alleging that the footballer called him a cripple and that he discarded his chewing gum on the floor rather than throwing it at the player.
The prosecution maintained that Mogan lied during that police interview. Semenyo was scheduled to give evidence via video link on Wednesday afternoon as the trial continues.