Police Arrest 71-Year-Old Everton Fan for Racist Abuse Toward Semenyo at City Match

Merseyside Police arrested an Everton fan during his team's Premier League match against Manchester City for alleged racist abuse toward Antoine Semenyo.

The supporter was taken into custody at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, where the game ended 3-3.

Police said a 71-year-old man from Nottinghamshire was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense after supporters and stewards reported that a fan shouted racist abuse.

An investigation into the incident during the match remains ongoing, and police continue to work closely with Everton FC, according to a police statement.

The man has been bailed with conditions, including a ban on going within one mile of any designated sports stadium up to four hours before kickoff, during the match, and up to four hours after it ends.

Everton issued a statement saying behavior of this nature will not be tolerated.

"Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadia, our sport or in society," the club said.

The club will continue to work closely with the authorities to support their investigation and will take the strongest possible action in line with its zero-tolerance approach.

It is the second time this season that Ghana international Semenyo, 26, has been targeted with racist abuse.

While playing for former club Bournemouth in the opening Premier League match of the season, Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator during their 4-2 defeat at Liverpool.

Semenyo later said more should be done to tackle racism in football, including possible prison sentences for those convicted of abuse.

Manchester City praised the swift action of Everton and Merseyside Police.

The club said England defender Marc Guehi, 25, also suffered online racist abuse following the match.

"We are incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guehi was subject to a series of vile racist social media posts last night," a City statement said.

"We will continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Marc and never accept discrimination of any kind in our game."