Liverpool Fan Denies Racially Aggravated Behavior at Match

A Liverpool fan is on trial, denying allegations of racially aggravated behavior during a 2025 match against Bournemouth. The court heard that Antoine Semenyo, the targeted player, reportedly "froze" after the alleged incident at Anfield.

According to witness statements presented in court, the defendant, identified as Mogan, approached the pitch from the disabled section of the Main Stand. A witness, Neil Sherratt, testified that he saw Mogan throw chewing gum, which hit Semenyo on the side of his shorts. Sherratt also stated that he heard Mogan shout "hurry up" at the player, prompting Semenyo to turn toward him with a shocked expression, reportedly asking, "you what?"

Another fan, Nicholas Collins, told the court that Mogan appeared "very cocky and brazen" following the incident and allegedly threatened to assault police officers if they approached him.

Mogan, who had an intermediary present in court, spoke with police the following day. During that interview, he claimed he had only shouted for Semenyo to hurry up. He also asserted that the footballer had called him "a cripple," which had upset him, and that he had thrown the chewing gum onto the floor, not at Semenyo. The prosecution, however, contends that Mogan lied during his police interview.

Semenyo is expected to provide evidence in the trial via videolink. Mogan, residing in Templehill Close, Dovecot, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of racially aggravated behavior. The trial is ongoing.