Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported an alleged racist comment from a Liverpool supporter during the opening Premier League match of the season.
Referee Anthony Taylor brought a halt to the game on the half-hour mark after Semenyo informed the official, with the Premier League confirming a full investigation will take place.
“It overshadows what should be an amazing night. The first day of the Premier League season, a beautiful day,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports at half-time.
“And that boy has been racially abused. It’s despicable. I can’t imagine what is going through that fan’s mind.
“However, it has happened. It will keep on happening. It’s a sorry state.”
Footage on social media appeared to show Semenyo have an exchange with one supporter before taking a throw-in, although it was not clear this was when the incident happened.
Semenyo could then be seen speaking with referee Taylor before Liverpool took a corner.
Taylor delayed the corner and went over to discuss the incident with the managers of Liverpool and Bournemouth, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola.
Semenyo also made his way over to the sidelines, with players from both sides consoling the player after learning he was subjected to abuse.
“Tonight’s match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo,” read a statement from Premier League Match Centre.
“This is in line with the Premier League’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol.
“The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated.
“We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society.
“We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
Jamie Carragher added at half-time: “With the amount of campaigns we have, it’s shocking to see an incident like that.
“A shocking incident and rightly reported to the referee.”
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