Antoine Semenyo, the Manchester City striker, is set to give evidence in a court case after a Liverpool supporter allegedly racially abused him during a Premier League match at Anfield last August. The incident, which occurred in the first half of Bournemouth’s opening game of the 2025‑26 season, has drawn the attention of the Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, where the prosecution claims the fan shouted a racist slur at the player.
The case centers on Mark Mogan, a 47‑year‑old wheelchair user who was in the disabled section of the Main Stand when the alleged abuse took place. According to the prosecution’s solicitor, Simon Jones, Mogan was seen standing to Semenyo’s right as the striker approached for a throw‑in around the 30‑minute mark. Jones described the fan’s words as “Hurry up and take the throw‑in, you black b*****d,” followed by a second insult, “I’m talking to you, you c***.” The court heard that Semenyo “briefly froze” when confronted with the remarks, visibly shocked and upset, before proceeding to take the throw‑in. He reportedly did not respond verbally and later reported the incident to the match referee, Anthony Taylor, who removed Mogan from the stadium at half‑time.
Video footage presented to the court showed Mogan in an agitated state, taking a piece of chewing gum from his mouth and throwing it at Semenyo, striking the player on the right side of his shorts. The prosecution argued that the act was “plainly an unsavoury action from an angry man.” Witnesses, including fellow Liverpool fan Neil Sherratt and another supporter, Nicholas Collins, corroborated the allegation that Mogan approached the pitch and directed the abusive language at Semenyo. Collins noted that Mogan later became “very cocky and brazen,” threatening police if they arrived.
Mogan denied any racially aggravated behaviour. In a police interview the day after the match, he claimed he had only shouted “hurry up” at Semenyo, and that the striker had called him a “cripple,” which allegedly provoked him. The prosecution contended that Mogan’s account was inconsistent with the evidence and that he had lied to the police. Mogan’s legal representative has not yet commented on the allegations.
Semenyo, who transferred to Manchester City in the summer of 2025, is expected to give his testimony via videolink on Wednesday afternoon. The trial will continue, with the court examining whether the fan’s conduct constitutes a racially aggravated offence under UK law. The outcome could have implications for stadium security and the handling of hate speech at football matches.