Liverpool fan accused of racially abusing Antoine Semenyo ‘unfit to stand trial’, court told

AFC BournemouthArsenalAston VillaBrentfordBrighton & Hove AlbionBurnleyChelseaCrystal PalaceEvertonFulhamLeeds UnitedLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNottingham ForestSunderlandTottenham HotspurWest Ham UnitedWolverhampton WanderersScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyThe Athletic FC NewsletterPodcastsChelsea Are SpirallingImpact of Brady’s ExitEngland's World Cup HopesLiverpool fan accused of racially abusing Antoine Semenyo ‘unfit to stand trial’, court toldSemenyo was due to give evidence in a scheduled trial at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. Carl Recine/Getty Images Share articleThe trial of the Liverpool fan accused of racially abusing Antoine Semenyo has been adjourned after a psychiatric assessment ruled he was not fit to take part in the court proceedings. Semenyo was due to give evidence in a scheduled trial at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday relating to Bournemouth’s visit to Anfield on the opening day of the Premier League season last August. The Ghana international, who signed for Manchester City in January, alleged he was racially abused by a spectator while preparing to take a throw-in during the first half of a 4-2 Liverpool win. Referee Anthony Taylor stopped play and a man was ejected from the stadium. However, the case will not go ahead until a fitness-to-plea hearing on September 7 for the judge to consider further psychiatric assessments and decide whether 47-year-old Mark Mogan is able to stand trial. Simon Jones, prosecuting, told the court that “we (the Crown Prosecution Service) do not accept the conclusion of the first report.” Mogan, from Dovecot, Liverpool, is charged with using offensive and racially aggravated language. He was present in court, sitting in a Liverpool-branded wheelchair, as his barrister, Olivia Belle, told the judge there had been “concerns in respect of (his) ability to participate in proceedings”. Belle said her client had a “history of language and communication difficulties” and that an initial psychiatric report had concluded “this defendant is unfit to stand trial”. Mogan was released on bail with conditions that he does not contact Semenyo or attend any regulated football grounds. If the trial goes ahead, a provisional date has been set for October 14. A spokesperson for Liverpool said in August the club was aware of the allegations and that “we condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football”. The Football Association said it was “concerned” about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure “appropriate action” would be taken. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms