The champions started with a win but the night was overshadowed by Antoine Semenyo reporting he was subject to racist abuse

Hugo Ekitike had a goal and an assist as Liverpool got their Premier League season off to a winning start despite a blown two-goal lead to Bournemouth at Anfield on a night the club honored deceased forward Diogo Jota.

The Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield has been briefly stopped after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator.

Just as they had been in the Community Shield, the champions gave up too many counter attacks and were vulnerable to crosses and cutbacks

Liverpool (0-0-0) open defense of their Premier League title Friday when they take to the pitch against Bournemouth (0-0-0). The Reds finished first last season with 84 points, while Bournemouth ended 28 points behind Liverpool with 56 points in ninth.

Liverpool players and fans have paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, at the first competitive match at Anfield since their death last month.

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