Bournemouth skipper Adam Smith has spoken about his anger at the racial abuse that teammate Antoine Semenyo reportedly suffered on Friday evening. During the first half of the Cherries’ clash with Liverpool at Anfield, play was halted after the winger informed referee Anthony Taylor that he believes racist abuse was hurled in his direction.

After both managers, captains and the police were informed, play then resumed. Bournemouth went on to lose the match 4-2, though Semenyo made his mark on the clash nevertheless, bagging a brace to drag his side back into the contest to level the score – before Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa scored late goals to rescue all three points for the Reds.

Despite the action-packed nature of the match, it was somewhat overshadowed by the alleged racist abuse which Semenyo suffered. Speaking about the incident after the match, Bournemouth captain Smith heaped praise on the winger for not reacting and issued a call for more worthwhile action to take place.

He told Sky Sports: “I don't know how Ant's (Semenyo) played on to be honest and come out with those goals. He's down obviously. Taking the knee and doing this (points to No Room for Racism badge) is having no effect.

“I wanted him to react because that's what I would have done, I’d have gone straight over there. It shows what type of guy he is and fair play to Ant. I'm more angry to be honest, shocked. I said to the ref I wanted him removed immediately, but he said it has to go to the police. The Liverpool players were good to be fair with Ant and everything.”

The Premier League Match Centre have since released a statement detailing the alleged incident and outlining how referee Taylor followed the protocol by halting play and informing the relevant authorities of the report from the player.

The statement read: “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. 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.”