Liverpool and Everton have released a joint statement slamming the racist abuse directed at Abdoulaye Doucoure “in the strongest possible terms” following the heated 2-2 draw in Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Mohamed Salah seemed to have secured a vital win for Liverpool after Alexis Mac Allister had levelled following Beto’s initial strike. But James Tarkowski snatched a last-gasp equaliser with a stoppage-time volley, ensuring the final derby at Goodison ended all square.
The post-match altercation between Doucoure and Curtis Jones, which occurred in front of the visiting fans, led to both players receiving their second yellow cards from referee Michael Oliver. Doucoure has since suffered racist abuse on his social media profiles and both clubs have pledged to take a firm stance against such behaviour, insisting: “Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities.”
A statement released on Thursday on behalf of both Merseyside clubs read: “Liverpool FC and Everton FC are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby.”
“Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated.”
“Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police, who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.
“We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears.
“We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers.
“Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities.”
On behalf of Merseyside Police, Superintendent Claire Doyle, who is responsible for match policing, aaid: “We are investigating this and take these reports of hate crime extremely seriously.
“If you have any information in relation please let us know because it could help our ongoing enquiries.
“We have successfully prosecuted so-called fans for racist abuse and they have been handed football banning orders along with a criminal record for their behaviour.
“Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime in any form and is working to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing it.”
Doucoure also shared the statement on his social media channels alongside the words: “@Everton @LFC No to Racism”.
Following the dismissals from Everton’s draw with Liverpool, the Premier League announced that both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones would face suspensions for upcoming games.
Doucoure will be absent from Everton’s visit to Crystal Palace, while Jones will sit out as Wolves visit Anfield.
A Premier League statement read: “Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones were both sent off for two bookable offences in Everton’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool. The pair will each serve one-match bans.
“Doucoure will sit out Everton’s upcoming Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace, while Jones is suspended for the first of Liverpool‘s Matchweek 25 games, versus Wolverhampton Wanderers.”
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Chief Superintendent Doyle commended most Merseyside football fans for their conduct during an emotionally charged night at Everton’s iconic stadium, where only eight arrests were made, a figure described as “only a very small number”.
“It was a great atmosphere last night with high emotions on both sides and fans enjoyed themselves responsibly, seeing the Grand Old Lady off in style,” Chief Superintendent Doyle remarked. “I would like to thank everyone for enjoying the evening safely, as there were very little incidents to note with the vast majority of football fans enjoying the game without causing any disruption.”
This article was originally published on the Liverpool Echo
Content Source: www.express.co.uk