Liverpool and Everton have released a joint statement condemning racist abuse aimed at Abdoulaye Doucoure after the Merseyside derby.
The Reds looked as though they were heading nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah had cancelled out Beto’s opener.
But James Tarkowski’s volley late on triggered chaotic scenes with fans running on the pitch before the final whistle, and ensuring the game ended 2-2.
At full time, things escalated even further when Toffees midfielder Doucoure made his way over to the away end to taunt the visiting fans, before Curtis Jones cut him off and a melee ensued.
Four red cards were shown in total after the final whistle, with Liverpool boss Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff both given their marching orders, as well as Doucoure and Jones.
Since, Doucoure has been the subject of racist abuse on social media, with both Liverpool and Everton strongly condemning it in a joint statement.
The statement 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.’
More to follow.
