Racism Incident, VAR Controversy Overshadow Liverpool’s Opening-Day Win Push
Liverpool’s Premier League opener at Anfield was supposed to be a celebration — the champions returning, a heartfelt tribute to the late Diogo Jota, and a debut goal from new signing Hugo Ekitike. But the night has been overshadowed by a racism incident and a major VAR controversy.
The first flashpoint came in the 28th minute when Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, preparing to take a throw-in near the Main Stand, reported being racially abused by a Liverpool fan in a wheelchair. Referee Anthony Taylor halted play and spoke with both managers, Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, as well as the captains. Sky Sports’ Peter Drury informed viewers that the stoppage was due to Semenyo’s complaint. Visibly shaken, Semenyo was comforted by Iraola and teammate Milos Kerkez before play resumed.
Liverpool later issued a statement condemning the abuse and pledging full cooperation with authorities. Under new Premier League regulations introduced this season, offenders face lifetime stadium bans, mandatory education programs, and potential criminal prosecution. Clubs can also be fined or docked points for repeated incidents.
On the pitch, Liverpool took the lead in the 40th minute when 23-year-old Ekitike marked his league debut with a dazzling solo effort — dribbling past Kerkez, Marcos Senesi, and Illia Zabarnyi before calmly beating goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. Ekitike celebrated by holding up a “Jota 20” shirt, honoring the teammate who tragically passed away in July.
But controversy returned in the 63rd minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross appeared to strike Kerkez’s outstretched arm, halting Mohamed Salah’s goal-bound effort. Liverpool players appealed for a penalty and a red card, but Taylor waved play on, and VAR’s Paul Tierney upheld the no-call, ruling the contact “accidental” and the arm in a “natural position.” The decision drew fury from fans and pundits online, with many calling it “a blatant robbery” and pointing to similar incidents that had been penalized in the past.
As the match moved toward its conclusion, Liverpool continued to dominate possession, with Salah and Luis Díaz forcing key saves from Petrovic. Bournemouth, led by former Red Dominic Solanke, threatened on the counter.
While Ekitike’s strike may go down as the first goal of the 2025/26 Premier League season, the match will also be remembered for the racism incident and the renewed debate over VAR — two issues that continue to shape the modern game both on and off the pitch.
