Everton and Liverpool have released a joint statement condemning the online racist abuse Abdoulaye Doucoure was subjected to in Wednesday’s Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, Afrosport reports.
The derby, which was the final at Goodison Park before the Toffees move to Bramley-Moore Dock next season, was filled with energy from the start as the game ended 2-2 while it ended with Doucoure, Curtis Jones and Liverpool boss Arne Slot all receiving red cards.
Doucoure was subject to online abuse in the aftermath of the game and both Everton and Liverpool called on social media platforms to do more in curbing the spread of abuse online.
“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,” read the statement on X.
“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.”
The Premier League is appalled by the abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Discrimination of any kind has no place in our game or anywhere in society. If you see or hear abuse, report it.
➡️ https://t.co/tQqZZS9EzT https://t.co/dv0PyxodxX
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 13, 2025
Wednesday’s result sees Liverpool lead the Premier League table seven points clear of Arsenal while Everton are 10 points clear of the relegation zone in 15th place.
