Everton review security arrangements in wake of ‘high-risk’ Southampton game

Everton say they’re reviewing all security arrangements after their board of administrators have been ordered to avoid Saturday’s game towards Southampton at Goodison Park.

Merseyside Police is in contact with the membership over alleged threats made in the direction of the membership’s administrators forward of final weekend’s fixture.

Consultation between Everton and the police resulted in the Southampton match being made “a high-risk fixture” and, following additional discussions, Everton’s subsequent residence game towards Arsenal on February 4 might be in the identical class.

Supporters’ ire has turned on Everton’s hierarchy in the previous few weeks as they face a second successive season battling to retain their Premier League standing.

The PA information company understands Everton chairman Bill Kenwright final week obtained loss of life threats through e-mail, whereas chief govt Denise Barrett-Baxendale was grabbed by a fan and positioned in a headlock as she left the administrators’ field after a current game.

All board members have been instructed to avoid Goodison Park on Saturday, when 1000’s of supporters joined a post-match sit-in to protest towards the working of the membership.

Police additionally needed to cordon off the exit to the gamers’ automobile park, nevertheless it didn’t stop the likes of Yerry Mina and Anthony Gordon being confronted in their autos on roads surrounding the bottom.

In a press release issued on Monday evening, the membership stated: “Everton Football Club is reviewing all matchday and non-matchday security arrangements following the home game with Southampton on Saturday.

“Enhanced security procedures and protocols are being put in place for the club’s players and staff following incidents at this and previous games.

“Everton’s directors were instructed to not attend Saturday’s fixture following a thorough security assessment in advance of the game. The guidance was based on intelligence gathered and information received directly by the club.

“Everton’s game with Southampton was made a high-risk fixture following consultation with Merseyside Police. Following further discussions with the force, the club can confirm that Everton’s next fixture at Goodison Park (Arsenal on Saturday 4 February) will also be categorised as high risk.

“The club will not be making any comment related to specific historic incidents.

“The health, safety and security of our supporters, staff and players is and will always remain our top priority.

“The club would like to thank the vast majority of supporters who behaved impeccably before, during and after the game with Southampton – as they have done throughout the season.”

Merseyside Police confirmed “no threats or incidents were reported to police prior to the game” towards Southampton, however talks are ongoing to find out whether or not any offences have occurred.

An announcement stated: “We can confirm that Merseyside Police is liaising with Everton Football Club following alleged threats towards directors ahead of the Premier League fixture against Southampton on Saturday, 14 January.

“No threats or incidents were reported to police prior to the game, but we are in communication with the club to establish if any offences have taken place, and to ensure that any future reports are received through existing channels.

“Any threats reported to Merseyside Police would be assessed and investigated as a matter of course, and any appropriate safety measures implemented.

“We are also aware of videos in circulation of fans approaching players’ cars as they made their way from Goodison Park after the match.

“At this stage no offences have been reported.”

Everton slid to a 2-1 residence defeat to bottom-of-the-table Southampton, the one crew beneath the Toffees in the standings on the midway level of the season.