Racist Fans Face Ban, Prosecution

EPL chief lays down law after Semenyo was abused during Bournemouth's loss to Reds

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LONDON - English Premier League chief executive Richard Masters issued a warning on Aug 16 that anyone guilty of racist abuse would be banned from stadiums and could face prosecution.

His comments came a day after Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo was the target of racist abuse during the Cherries' 4-2 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

"No Premier League footballer should ever have to, in their workplace or online, suffer that sort of abuse. It is important that we keep saying that," Masters told BBC Sport.

"It is a problem for society. It leaks into football and it shouldn't happen in a football stadium. It shouldn't happen online.

"It makes people like me and other football people in charge of the game think twice about what else we can do to ensure that these things don't happen in the future.

"If you are found to be using discriminatory language inside a football ground, you will be ejected, second you will be banned and third you may face criminal charges."

The Aug 15 game was briefly halted in the 29th minute to address the incident, with referee Anthony Taylor summoning both managers to the touchline for a briefing.