Antoine Semenyo stood still on the pitch. According to testimony in court, the Bournemouth winger froze after allegedly receiving racist abuse from a Liverpool supporter during a 2025 match between the two clubs.
The Liverpool fan is currently before the courts denying a charge of racially aggravated behaviour. The case centres on an incident that reportedly left Semenyo visibly shaken mid-game, a moment striking enough that it is now part of the legal proceedings.
The trial is ongoing, and the accused has entered a not guilty plea. Whatever the outcome, the fact that a player's reaction on the pitch has become evidence in a courtroom speaks to how seriously these allegations are being taken.
Originally published by BBC Africa.