Everton have confirmed that a supporter was arrested during Monday evening's 3-3 Premier League draw with Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium following reports of racist abuse directed towards Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghana international, who has been in outstanding form this season since joining City from Bournemouth in January, was subjected to the abuse during what was an enthralling encounter between the two sides.
Merseyside Police moved swiftly after stewards and fellow supporters reported the incident, with an arrest made before the final whistle.
In a statement released by Everton, the Merseyside club confirmed the full details of what had taken place and the action that followed.
"Merseyside Police arrested a 71-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after supporters and stewards reported the incident. He has since been bailed with conditions, including restrictions preventing him from going within one mile of any designated sports stadium for a period of up to four hours before kick-off, during matches and up to four hours after the final whistle."
Everton were unequivocal in their condemnation of the behaviour, using their statement to reinforce the club's zero-tolerance position.
"Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadia, our sport or in society, and behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated.
"A swift response from fellow supporters, stewards and Merseyside Police led to the individual being identified and appropriate action taken. The club will continue to work closely with the authorities to support their investigation and will take the strongest possible action in line with its zero-tolerance approach."
City condemn abuse and raise concern for Guehi
Manchester City also responded with a forceful statement condemning the racial abuse aimed at Semenyo and raising a further issue regarding Marc Guehi, who had been subjected to a series of racist social media posts in the hours following the match.
"Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse directed towards Antoine Semenyo at yesterday's match," the club said.
"We welcome the swift action taken by Everton and the police to identify the individual responsible. We are also incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guehi was subject to a series of vile, racist social media posts last night. We will continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Marc and never accept discrimination of any kind in our game."
The dual incidents, one inside a stadium and one in the anonymous space of social media, paint a grim picture of the persistent racism that continues to afflict English football despite years of campaigns, legislation and public pledges of commitment to change.
Second incident for Semenyo this season
What makes Monday's events all the more troubling is that this is not the first time this season that Semenyo has been subjected to racist abuse serious enough to result in an arrest.
The Ghana winger endured a similar ordeal earlier in the campaign when a fan was arrested after racially abusing him at Anfield during Bournemouth's opening-day fixture against Liverpool.
Semenyo has, throughout both incidents, conducted himself with dignity. His football has done the talking, and it will continue to do so.
But the responsibility for eradicating this behaviour from the game rests with the clubs, the authorities, the platforms and the wider football community.
Two arrests. Two incidents. One player, targeted twice. That cannot be the norm.
