Antoine Semenyo opened his Premier League campaign with a brace against defending champions Liverpool on Friday night at Anfield, though Bournemouth fell to a 4-2 defeat.

The match was briefly halted around the half-hour mark after the Ghana forward reportedly suffered racial abuse.

The incident occurred as the 25-year-old prepared to take a throw-in. He reported it to referee Anthony Taylor, who then spoke with both coaches and captains before play resumed.

According to Sky Sports, a fan was ejected from the stadium for alleged involvement in the incident.

Liverpool took the lead in the 37th minute when Hugo Ekitike, with a stroke of fortune, scored his first Premier League goal.

Four minutes after the break, Ekitike set up Cody Gakpo to double the hosts’ advantage.

Semenyo sparked a Bournemouth comeback in the 64th minute, converting from a David Brooks assist. He then drew the visitors level 12 minutes later with a stunning solo effort, carrying the ball from his own half before firing past Alisson.

However, Liverpool regained control late on. Substitute Federico Chiesa struck from the centre of the box in the 88th minute, and Mohamed Salah sealed the win with a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.