Everton and Liverpool have issued a joint statement condemning the racist abuse directed at Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday’s dramatic Merseyside derby.
The clubs vowed to support police efforts in identifying and punishing those responsible.
The intense 2-2 draw at Goodison Park saw Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones sent off after a post-match altercation, with tensions boiling over following James Tarkowski’s stoppage-time equalizer. Replays showed Doucoure taunting Liverpool fans, an action that seemingly ignited the furious response from Jones.
In the aftermath, the Everton midfielder became the target of vile racial abuse on social media. Everton and Liverpool swiftly responded, releasing a statement denouncing the attacks and affirming their commitment to eradicating racism from football.
“Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby,” the statement read. “Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated.”
The clubs also urged social media platforms to take stronger action against online hate and called on fans to report abuse. “We must all, including social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers,” the statement added.
Merseyside Police have launched an investigation, with Chief Superintendent Claire Doyle emphasizing the authorities’ stance: “We have successfully prosecuted so-called fans for racist abuse, resulting in football banning orders and criminal records. If you have any information, please let us know.”
Doucoure, who has made 25 appearances this season, will now miss Everton’s trip to Crystal Palace due to his red card suspension. Reflecting on the chaotic scenes, Everton manager David Moyes described the match as a fiery, old-school derby.
“It was mayhem all game, an incredible atmosphere,” Moyes said. “I’m disappointed to lose Doucoure, especially when we’re short on players.”
With both clubs united in their fight against discrimination, the hope is that meaningful action will follow to ensure such incidents do not continue to plague the sport.
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