Liverpool beat Bournemouth 4-2 in the first game of the Premier League season on an emotional evening at Anfield in which they paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota.
The game may have been a classic but it was overshadowed by a report of racist abuse against Antoine Semenyo.
After 10 minutes, Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi was remarkably fortunate to stay on the pitch as he clearly handled the ball as Hugo Ekitike attempted to run beyond him. However, VAR did not agree, and a free-kick was given to the Cherries instead, prompting a great deal of indignation from the Reds players, and understandably so.
On the half-hour mark, a delay occurred, after Semenyo reported an alleged incident of racial abuse, with both managers made aware of the situation.
Six minutes later, the Reds had the lead, as Hugo Ekitike burst beyond Senesi, via a bobbled challenge, and fired an effort low into the bottom corner.
And three minutes after the restart, Liverpool had a second; Ekitike fed Cody Gakpo, who dropped a shoulder, beat two Bournemouth defenders, and found the bottom corner in truly superb fashion.
On the hour, Florian Wirtz almost capped his classy debut with a goal but his effort from the edge of the box dribbled past the post. Within 60 seconds of that chance, Szoboszlai lost the ball in midfield and Bournemouth broke, with Semenyo finishing from close-range.
And the Cherries completed an incredible comeback in the 75th minute as Semenyo completed his brace in glorious fashion, finishing a 60-yard dash from his own half with a brilliant low drive. Ibrahima Konate has plenty of questions to answer, as he roundly failed to get near his man before his shot found the net.
Nevertheless, Liverpool would not be denied, and Federico Chiesa, on as a substitute, restored their lead in the 88th minute thanks to a brilliant, instinctive volley after a failed Bournemouth clearance.
And there was still time for a classic Mohamed Salah slalom and finish to cap a decisive win for the Reds.
GOAL rates Liverpool’s players from Anfield…
