Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo "froze" after he was allegedly racially abused by a Liverpool fan at Anfield, a court has heard. Semenyo, then playing for Bournemouth, was allegedly abused by Mark Mogan, 47, as he went to take a throw-in about 30 minutes into the opening Premier League match of the season on August 15 last year.
Simon Jones, prosecuting, told Liverpool Magistrates' Court that Mogan, a wheelchair user, shouted: "Hurry up and take the throw-in, you black b*d." Jones said the abuse was directed straight at Semenyo, who briefly froze as he couldn't believe what he had heard. Mogan then shouted "I'm talking to you, you c***", the court heard. Semenyo did not respond and went to take the throw-in, but was clearly hurt and upset, Jones said.
The footballer reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor when the ball next went out of play, and Mogan was removed from the stadium at half time. Two short video clips were shown to the court, in which Jones said Mogan could be seen in an "agitated and angry state". Witnesses said Mogan threw chewing gum at Semenyo, striking him on the right side of his shorts.
In police interview, Mogan said he had only told Semenyo to "hurry up" and claimed Semenyo had called him a cripple. The prosecution say he clearly lied. Semenyo is expected to give evidence by videolink. Mogan, of Templehill Close, Dovecot, denies racially aggravated behaviour. The trial continues.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing