Van Dijk pledges his support to Semenyo

VIRGIL VAN DIJK has pledged to support Antoine Semenyo however he can after the Bournemouth forward made allegations of racist abuse during Liverpool's 4-2 win at Anfield on Friday night.

- By PAUL GORST Liverpool FC Correspondent

And the Reds captain has branded the incident an “absolute disgrace”, saying such behaviour has no place in football.

The Reds began the defence of their Premier League crown with a home win over the Cherries but the first half was brought to a halt after Semenyo relayed the allegations to referee Anthony Taylor, who consulted with both managers in Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola pitchside.

Semenyo made the complaint after taking a throw-in near the Main Stand and a police investigation into the incident is now under way, with a statement from Liverpool, released shortly after full-time, confirming they are helping the authorities.