Footballer Testifies to Racial Abuse in Court; Defendant Suffers Seizure

Footballer Antoine Semenyo told a court he "froze" after being subjected to racial abuse and having chewing gum thrown at him by a Liverpool fan during a Premier League match. The incident occurred on August 15 last year as Semenyo, then playing for Bournemouth, prepared to take a throw-in at Anfield.

The alleged perpetrator, Mark Mogan, 47, a wheelchair user, shouted "Hurry up and take the throw-in, you black b******" directly at Semenyo, according to prosecutor Simon Jones.

"Mr Semenyo briefly froze as he couldn't believe what the male had said," Jones told Liverpool Magistrates' Court. Mogan then allegedly added, "I'm talking to you, you c***," while looking directly at the player. Semenyo, though visibly hurt and upset, proceeded to take the throw-in without further verbal exchange.

Semenyo reported the incident to match referee Anthony Taylor. Mogan was removed from the stadium at halftime. Video clips shown in court depicted Mogan in an "agitated and angry state." Witnesses also reported seeing Mogan throw chewing gum at Semenyo, which struck his shorts.

Another fan, Neil Sherratt, testified that he saw Mogan approach the pitch and heard him shout. Sherratt stated Semenyo appeared shocked and asked, "you what?" A third fan, Nicholas Collins, described Mogan as "very cocky and brazen" afterward, reportedly saying, "If the bizzies (police) come I'm going to deck them. I'm not going anywhere."

In a police interview the following day, Mogan claimed he only shouted at Semenyo to "hurry up" and denied throwing chewing gum, stating he threw it on the floor. He also alleged Semenyo called him a cripple. The prosecution argued that Mogan clearly lied during this interview.

Semenyo, who now plays for Manchester City, later expressed gratitude for the support he received on social media. "Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever - not because of one person's words, but because of how the entire football family stood together," he wrote. He thanked his teammates, Liverpool players and fans, and Premier League officials for their professional handling of the situation and the overwhelming messages of support.

Mogan, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, suffered a seizure during a lunch break in court proceedings and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. An application to proceed with the trial in his absence was denied by District Judge Mary Dowrick. The trial is expected to continue at a later date. Mogan, of Dovecot, Liverpool, denies racially aggravated behaviour.