Antoine Semenyo froze on the pitch after a Liverpool fan allegedly hurled a racial slur at him during the Premier League opener at Anfield on 15 August 2025, a court has heard. The incident unfolded about 30 minutes into the match as Semenyo, then playing for Bournemouth, prepared to take a throw-in.
Mark Mogan, 47, of Dovecot, Liverpool, who uses a wheelchair, is accused of shouting the abuse from the disabled section of the Main Stand. Prosecutor Simon Jones told Liverpool Magistrates’ Court that Semenyo was “clearly hurt and upset” by the insult and reported it to referee Anthony Taylor at the next stoppage.
Mogan denies racially aggravated behaviour. The court heard Mogan shouted further abuse at Semenyo, who did not respond and continued with the throw-in. Mogan was removed from the stadium at half-time.
Two brief video clips shown to the court depicted Mogan in what Jones described as an “agitated and angry state.” Witnesses said Mogan threw chewing gum that hit the right side of Semenyo’s shorts.
Neil Sherratt, a Liverpool supporter who sits next to Mogan at matches, told the court he saw Mogan approach the pitch from the disabled section. Sherratt said he heard Mogan shout something like “hurry up” and saw Semenyo turn towards him with a shocked expression. Sherratt believed Semenyo replied, “you what.”
Another Liverpool fan, Nicholas Collins, said Mogan became “very cocky and brazen” after the incident and threatened to assault police if they approached him.
During a police interview the following day, Mogan said he had shouted at Semenyo to hurry up. He claimed the footballer had called him “a cripple,” which upset him. Mogan said he threw chewing gum onto the floor, not at Semenyo. Jones told the court the prosecution’s case was that Mogan had lied during this interview.
Semenyo, born in London to Ghanaian parents and currently playing for Manchester City, is expected to give evidence via videolink. He represented Ghana in the World Cup.
The trial continues.
According to Joy Online.
