Wayne Rooney urges fines and points deductions after Antoine Semenyo racism incident

Wayne Rooney has insisted that football clubs should face fines and points deductions when their supporters are involved in racist behaviour, describing such sanctions as the only effective way to curb the problem.

The Manchester United legend made the call in reaction to the incident involving Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo, who was allegedly racially abused by a Liverpool fan during the Premier League opener at Anfield.

Semenyo had scored twice in the 4-2 defeat before the abuse was reported in the first half.

“You have to hit the clubs because that’s the only way it will stop,” Rooney told the BBC.

“If there is ignorance, the fans will still do it. You have to hit the clubs by taking off points or hit them in the pocket and take money away from them. Otherwise, it will keep on going.”

The 47-year-old supporter accused of abusing Semenyo was arrested and later released on conditional bail, which includes a ban from attending any football match in the UK while investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Semenyo has received widespread backing from the football community. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among those to condemn the incident and express solidarity with the Ghana international.

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