Police officers made an arrest after Premier League star Antoine Semenyo reportedly had been racially abused on the field.
The Bournemouth wing player, 25, from Ghana, was seen in an exchange with a fan during last night's game against Liverpool in Anfield.
He then rushed to the referee before the match was stopped and a fan, in a wheelchair, was accompanied by the police.
The Merseyside police have now confirmed that a 47-year-old man from Liverpool is being held on suspicion of a racially exacerbated public order.
Chief inspector Kev Chatterton, the competition commander for the game, said: “The MerseSide police will not tolerate hate crime of any form.
“We take these types of incidents very seriously, and in such cases we will be proactively looking for football that prohibits orders, with the club, against those responsible.”
He added: “There is no room for racism and it is vital that everyone who witnesses such a violation reports immediately to stewards or the police.”
On X, the player – who scored two goals during the 4-2 loss – said that the messages he received were “overwhelming”, and a reminder why he loves sport.
Semenyo wrote: “Last night in Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of the words of one person, but because of how the entire football family stood together.
“To the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League officials who have dealt with professionally -thanks to the Liverpool who supported me at that time.
“Football showed his best side when it mattered the most … We keep progressing together.”
A Liverpool spokesperson said: “We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football.”
The Premier League said in a statement that her “anti -discrimination protocol on the field” had been followed and the incident “will now be fully investigated”.
“We offer our full support to the player and both clubs,” it added. “Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society.
“We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and authorities to ensure that our stadiums are an inclusive and hospitable environment for everyone.”