Liverpool fan has Antoine Semenyo racial abuse trial pushed back

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Mark Mogan appeared in Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Wednesday where the judge adjourned the case until October after his lawyer claimed he is unfit to stand trial

Antoine Semenyo joined Man City in January(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

The trial of a Liverpool fan charged with racially abusing Antoine Semenyo has been postponed until later this year. Mark Mogan appeared before Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where the judge ruled to adjourn proceedings until October.

Mr Mogan allegedly directed abuse at Semenyo while the winger was preparing to take a throw-in during Bournemouth's visit to Anfield to face Liverpool in August. The fixture was temporarily suspended after Semenyo, who joined Manchester City in January, reported the incident to the match official.

Mr Mogan was subsequently arrested and handed a nationwide stadium ban. The 47 year old entered a not guilty plea in December and arrived at court on Wednesday in a wheelchair, bearing a Liverpool badge on the back.

His legal representative requested a postponement on the basis that Mr Mogan is deemed unfit to stand trial. District Judge James Hatton confirmed that a fitness to plead hearing would take place on 7th September, ahead of a rescheduled trial on 14th October.

Defence lawyer Olivia Belle told the court: "This matter is listed for trial today, one matter of a racially aggravated section five offence where the complainant in the matter is Mr Semenyo," adding, "No witnesses have attended court today."

She continued: "In short it is the defence's application this morning to vacate the trial as a consequence of Mr Mogan being assessed that he is unfit to plead and stand trial."

Following the incident, a club spokesperson released a statement which read: "Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth. We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms.

"It has no place in society, or football. The club is unable to comment further as tonight's alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully."

Mark Mogan attended Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Wednesday(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

Semenyo revealed he had received further racial abuse earlier this month, sharing a screenshot sent to him and adding: "It has started again."

A Premier League spokesperson said of the latest incident: "We are appalled at the unacceptable online racist abuse targeted at Antoine Semenyo and have offered our support to the player and club.

"Racism has no place in our game or anywhere in society. It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and we will work alongside clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure this remains a priority for all.

"Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including custodial sentences, football banning orders and criminal records."