Everton and Liverpool have released a joint statement condemning the abuse directed at Blues midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure following last night’s Merseyside derby.
Doucoure taunted the travelling fans after James Tarkowski’s late equaliser, prompting a scuffle with Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones which resulted in both players being shown red cards.
Reds boss Arne Slot was also dismissed after the final whistle for something he said towards referee Michael Oliver.
Liverpool Football Club and Everton are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 13, 2025
The incident preceded a wave of abhorrent messages aimed at former Mali international Doucoure.
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.”
