Antoine Semenyo, a professional footballer currently with Manchester City, reportedly “froze” after experiencing racial abuse from a Liverpool supporter during a Premier League match in August 2025, a court has been told. The incident allegedly occurred at Anfield during the opening fixture of the season, when Semenyo was playing for Bournemouth.

The accused, 47-year-old Mark Mogan from Dovecot, Liverpool, is facing allegations of racially aggravated behaviour. According to prosecutor Simon Jones, Mogan directed a racial slur at Semenyo, shouting, “Take the throw-in, you black b******.” The court heard that Semenyo was stunned by the remark and was momentarily unable to respond.

During the proceedings at Liverpool magistrates’ court, Mogan, who uses a wheelchair, denied the racial abuse charge. Instead, he claimed that Semenyo had insulted him by calling him a “cripple.” The hearing was scheduled to include testimony from Semenyo, who was set to give evidence on the day, but the session was adjourned after Mogan fell ill.

The case remains pending as the court awaits further proceedings to clarify the circumstances surrounding the exchange between Semenyo and Mogan.