The game was halted temporarily so that the referee could speak with both managers and the team captains, including Smith and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, about the incident.

Smith stated that the racist abuse was "totally unacceptable" and that he was in shock that it happened in the current era. He praised Semenyo for reporting the incident and continuing to play, saying that it showed his character.

Smith also expressed his anger and frustration at the incident, stating that it was "shocking" and that something needed to be done to address the issue. He mentioned that the team had discussed the matter with the Premier League and that the police had been involved in resolving the situation.