Virgil van Dijk condemned the 'shameful' racist abuse Antoine -Semenyo reportedly subjected to the liverpool collision with Bournemouth.
The men of Arne Slot welcomed the cherries in Anfield on Friday in the first match of the 2025-26 campaign.
In a competitive collision, Liverpool ultimately secured all three points to mark a successful start of their Premier League title defense.
However, the result was marred by scenes during the game in which Bournemouth was involved.
While the 25-year-old prepared himself in the first half, he seemed to be checked by a Liverpool fan from the stands.
Semenyo brought the incident to the attention of referee Anthony Taylor, and the match was immediately paused.
It has been claimed that the person who directed the abuse in Semenyo was a fan of Liverpool who was in a wheelchair in the bottom row of Anfield's main standard.
The supporter was then accompanied by the police from the stands.
After the game, Reds captain Van Dijk revealed that he had discussed the incident with Semenyo.
“I had a lot of conversations about it and in the first place I wanted to know what happened and I am happy that the authorities are all related to it, that's the most important thing.” Said the Dutch defender.
“But we are completely with him and I think everyone here would say the same thing: these things can't happen. So everything he needs for support, I am here for him.
'We are all there for him, to be honest, but also the club and they have to deal with it in the right way, I am completely out of it.
“The authorities in particular have to deal with it now and as I said, these things can't happen.”
Asked if he was surprised that such incidents still bullied the Dijk Sport, added: 'No, I can't believe it.
“I can say these things that it should not happen, but unfortunately it is and it is an absolute shame in my eyes.”
Asked his opinion about the broader issue of racism in Voetbal van Dijk repeated his support for Semenyo.
He added: 'First and foremost, these things should never happen in the world, not just football. I am happy to be able to say that I only see it happening today and that is what I say it is a shame that it could happen.
'But in general, racism is not in this world in my opinion, but if we want to be realistic, it still still exists and that is the dangerous side of it.
“We have to deal with it in the here and now and as I said, I am here for Antoine, when he needs it and we are here as a club to deal with it in the best possible way, because it should not happen.”