Footballer Semenyo 'froze' after alleged racial abuse at Anfield

Footballer Antoine Semenyo “froze” after he was allegedly subjected to racial abuse by a spectator at Anfield, Liverpool Magistrates’ Court was told. Mark Mogan, 47, is accused of shouting racial slurs at Semenyo, then playing for Bournemouth, as the player went to take a throw-in during a Premier League match on August 15 last year.

Prosecutor Simon Jones told the court that Semenyo heard Mogan shout: “Hurry up and take the throw-in, you black bastard.” Mr Jones stated the abuse was directed at Semenyo, who was close to the defendant. The court heard Semenyo briefly froze, unable to believe what had been said. Mogan then allegedly shouted: “I’m talking to you, you c***.”

Mr Jones said Semenyo did not respond but was clearly hurt and upset by the abuse. The footballer reported the incident to the match referee, Anthony Taylor, and Mogan was removed from the stadium at half-time. Two short video clips shown to the court depicted Mogan in an agitated and angry state, the prosecution said.

Witnesses reported seeing Mogan, who uses a wheelchair, throw chewing gum at Semenyo, striking his shorts. This action was described by the prosecution as “unsavoury” and indicative of an angry individual. Neil Sherratt, a fellow Liverpool fan seated near Mogan, stated he saw Mogan approach the pitchside as Semenyo prepared for the throw-in. Mr Sherratt reported hearing Mogan shout “hurry up” and observed Semenyo’s shocked reaction.

Another witness, Nicholas Collins, described Mogan as becoming “very cocky and brazen” after the incident, allegedly stating he would resist police intervention. When interviewed by officers the following day, Mogan claimed he had shouted at Semenyo to “hurry up” because the footballer had called him a “cripple,” which had upset him. Mogan also stated he threw chewing gum onto the floor, not at Semenyo. The prosecution contends that Mogan lied during this police interview.

Mogan, of Templehill Close, Dovecot, denies racially aggravated behaviour. Semenyo, who now plays for Manchester City, is expected to provide evidence to the court via videolink.