Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has publicly shared that he has been subjected to further racial abuse this season, marking another distressing incident in a troubling pattern of racism targeting Premier League players.
On Monday, the 26-year-old Ghana international posted on his Instagram story with the message "it's started again," accompanied by a screenshot of abusive comments sent to him via social media. This latest incident comes after Semenyo previously reported being racially abused by a spectator during Bournemouth's season-opening 4-2 loss to Liverpool in August, a match in which he scored twice.
Mark Mogan, 47, was arrested and charged by Merseyside Police with a racially aggravated public order offence following that initial incident. Mogan denied the charge at Liverpool Magistrates' Court in December, with a trial scheduled for April 22.
Manchester City are understood to be providing Semenyo with full support and care following this latest isolated incident. The Premier League and Football Association have been approached for comment regarding the abuse.
Semenyo's case represents the latest in a growing list of racist incidents affecting Premier League players this season. In February alone, four players were targeted with racist abuse during a single weekend, prompting investigations by the UK Football Policing Unit.
The affected players included Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare.
Earlier on Monday, Sunderland condemned racist abuse directed at forward Brian Brobbey on social media following his team's 1-0 league victory over Tottenham.
These repeated incidents highlight the ongoing challenge football authorities face in combating racism within the sport, despite increased awareness campaigns and stricter penalties for offenders.