Footballer Antoine Semenyo reportedly "froze" after he was allegedly racially abused by a Liverpool fan during a Premier League match at Anfield, a court has heard. The Manchester City winger, who was playing for Bournemouth at the time, was preparing to take a throw-in when Mark Mogan, 47, allegedly shouted a racist insult at him on 15 August 2025.
Prosecutors told Liverpool Magistrates' Court that Semenyo was "clearly hurt and upset" and reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor. Simon Jones, the prosecutor, stated that "Mr Semenyo briefly froze as he couldn't believe what the male had said."
Mogan, of Dovecot, Liverpool, denies racially aggravated behaviour. The court heard Mogan was removed from the stadium at half-time, and witnesses reportedly saw him throw chewing gum at Semenyo.
During a police interview, Mogan claimed he had shouted at Semenyo to hurry up and that the footballer had called him "a cripple." Semenyo is expected to give evidence via videolink as the trial continues.