The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has strongly condemned the unprovoked racial abuse suffered by Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo during the English Premier League opening match between Liverpool and Bournemouth.
It described the act as “shocking and shameful.”
The incident, which occurred during Bournemouth’s visit to Anfield, saw a section of Liverpool supporters hurling racist slurs at Semenyo.
A 47-year-old fan has since been arrested by Merseyside Police for his actions.
In a statement signed by its President, Mr Kwabena Yeboah, SWAG lauded Semenyo’s resilience and professionalism in the face of hostility, after he responded in the best possible way by scoring two spectacular goals to silence his abusers.
“Like a true football warrior, Semenyo demonstrated intrepidity and dauntlessness amidst incivility and vulgarity,” the statement read.
“SWAG salutes him for showing that football is best played with courage, not hate,” it said.
The Association praised the Merseyside Police for their swift action in apprehending the suspect, saying such firmness sent a “clear signal” to potential offenders, that racism had no place in football.
SWAG also commended the Liverpool Football Club for promptly condemning the act, and for their pledge to issue a lifetime ban to the fan if found guilty after police investigations.
“It is heartwarming to note that Liverpool did not shield its own fan but instead demonstrated zero tolerance for racism,” Mr Yeboah said.
The statement further acknowledged the backing Semenyo had received from world football governing bodies, FIFA and UEFA, who had both pledged to intensify their fight against racial abuse in football.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA), Semenyo’s parent body, had also expressed full support for the Black Stars forward, assuring him of their solidarity during what they described as a “difficult but defining moment.”
SWAG encouraged Semenyo to remain mentally strong and continue to showcase his talent, stressing that the global support he had received showed, that football’s spirit of unity always triumphed over hate.
“The unalloyed support from players and fans of both Liverpool and Bournemouth, and indeed from all lovers of the beautiful game, proves that racism will never defeat football,” the statement declared.
The Association also commended the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) for standing in solidarity with Semenyo, describing it as a show of unity within the football fraternity.
SWAG reiterated its firm stance against racism, stressing that the sport of football would always emerge victorious against pathetic racial bigots.
