Wayne Rooney calls for greater anti-racism measures after revealing player 'cried on his chest' after being abused during MLS spell with DC United

Controversy erupted in the very first match of the new Premier League last Friday as the Cherries forward Semenyo was racially abused at Anfield during their clash against reigning champions Liverpool. Midway through the first half, Semenyo spoke to referee Anthony Taylor and the game was temporarily paused, with the midfielder having reported an alleged incident of racist abuse from the crowd.  

The perpetrator was subsequently identified and arrested and was later also handed a permanent ban from all football stadiums in the UK. Former Manchester United star Rooney, who is now a pundit on BBC's Match of the Day programme, discussed the grave issue, while sharing an incident related to racism from during his stint with MLS side DC United.   

Speaking on his new BBC podcast, Wayne Rooney Show, the England legend said: "I had it in DC with one of my players who got racially abused and he was crying on my chest. I was holding him as he was crying on my chest. I don't think people realise - they say it as a throwaway line that they think has no meaning behind it, but it hurts people. For people to see that and understand, there has to be more done to stop it.

"There needs to be a strong campaign for society - for children, parents and grandparents - to be educated. You have to hit the clubs because that's the only way it will stop. If there is ignorance, the fans will still do it. You have to hit the clubs by taking off points or hit them in the pocket and take money away from them. Otherwise, it will keep on going. Hopefully, the right people sit down with the right organisations to try and get something serious in place." 

The first gameweek of the Premier League will conclude on Monday as Everton travel to Elland Road to face newly promoted Leeds United.