Man City’s Antoine Semenyo ‘froze’ after alleged racist abuse by Liverpool fan

Antoine Semenyo reportedly froze after being subjected to alleged racial abuse by a Liverpool supporter during a match on August 15, Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard. The 47-year-old defendant, Mark Mogan, is accused of shouting racial slurs and expletives at Semenyo, who was playing for Bournemouth at the time, as the forward prepared to take a throw-in around 30 minutes into the game.

Prosecutor Simon Jones also alleged that Mogan threw chewing gum at Semenyo, hitting his shorts. Semenyo reported the abuse to referee Anthony Taylor, leading to Mogan being ejected from the stadium at half-time. Mogan denies racially aggravated behavior, claiming Semenyo insulted him first, while Semenyo, now with Manchester City, is expected to testify via video link.