Everton fan arrested for racist abuse of Antoine Semenyo; Marc Guehi targeted online after costly error

Key facts

• A 71-year-old man from Nottinghamshire was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
• The arrest occurred during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.
• The match ended in a 3-3 draw.
• Antoine Semenyo, 26, was the target of racist abuse shouted by a fan, reported by supporters and stewards.
• Marc Guehi, 25, suffered racist abuse via social media posts after the match.
• The suspect has been bailed with conditions including a ban from entering within one mile of any designated sports stadium for up to four hours before and after matches.
• This is the second time this season Semenyo has been racially abused, following an incident at Liverpool in the opening match.
• Manchester City trail Arsenal by five points with four matches remaining to Arsenal's three.

Arrest at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Merseyside Police arrested a 71-year-old man from Nottinghamshire during Monday's Premier League fixture between Everton and Manchester City, which ended in a 3-3 draw. The man was taken into custody on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after supporters and stewards reported that racist abuse was shouted at Antoine Semenyo inside the stadium. The suspect has been released on bail with strict conditions, including a prohibition from going within one mile of any designated sports stadium for a period of up to four hours before kick-off, during the match, and up to four hours after the game has ended. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and police said they continue to work closely with Everton FC.

Clubs respond with condemnation

Everton issued a statement declaring that "behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated" and that "racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable." The club affirmed its zero-tolerance approach and pledged to take the strongest possible action in support of the investigation. Manchester City praised the "swift action" of Everton and Merseyside Police. The club also revealed that England defender Marc Guehi, 25, was subjected to a series of vile racist social media posts following the match. City stated: "We are incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guéhi was subject to a series of vile racist social media posts last night." The club reiterated its absolute zero-tolerance policy and promised full support to both players.

Guehi's costly blunder triggers online abuse

The online abuse directed at Guehi followed a critical error during the chaotic second half. Guehi's woeful blunder allowed Everton to score a vital equaliser after Thierno Barry was initially caught offside in a costly draw. The mistake proved decisive in a match that saw both teams fight for crucial points in the title race. The defender's mistake was compounded by the vile digital backlash, which City condemned as unacceptable. The club's statement made clear that such behaviour has no place in football or society.

Semenyo's repeated targeting this season

This is the second time this season that Ghana international Semenyo, 26, has been the target of racist abuse. In the opening Premier League match of the season, while playing for former club Bournemouth, being racially abused by a spectator during their 4-2 defeat at Liverpool. Following that incident, Semenyo called for stronger measures to tackle racism in football, including possible prison sentences for those convicted of abuse. The recurrence of such abuse highlights the persistent challenge facing the sport.

Title race implications

The 3-3 draw dealt a blow to Manchester City's title defence. With four matches remaining to Arsenal's three, City now trail the league leaders by five points. Guardiola's men must quickly refocus as they host Brentford on Saturday, hoping to keep their slim hopes alive. The match itself was a frantic encounter, with both sides creating numerous chances. The result leaves City needing a near-perfect run-in while relying on Arsenal to drop points.

Ongoing investigations and next steps

Police investigations into the stadium incident continue, and efforts are underway to identify the individuals responsible for the online abuse targeting Guehi. Merseyside Police are working closely with Everton FC, while City have pledged to support the authorities. The clubs have reiterated their commitment to combating discrimination, with Everton stating they will take the strongest possible action. The football community now watches to see whether the perpetrators will face consequences that match the severity of their actions.

The bottom line

• A 71-year-old fan was arrested for racist abuse of Antoine Semenyo during the Everton-Manchester City match.
• Marc Guehi was subjected to racist online abuse after a costly error in the same match.
• Both clubs condemned the abuse and pledged full support to the players.
• This is the second time this season Semenyo has been racially abused at a Premier League match.
• The 3-3 draw leaves Manchester City five points behind Arsenal with four games left.
• Police investigations are ongoing, with the suspect bailed under strict conditions.