Everton's board were advised not to attend Southampton defeat over 'real and credible threat to their safety'

14 January 2023, 18:44 | Updated: 15 January 2023, 00:08

Everton’s board of directors were advised not to attend Saturday&squot;s game against Southampton at Goodison Park because of a “real and credible threat to their safety and security".
Everton’s board of directors were advised not to attend Saturday's game against Southampton at Goodison Park because of a “real and credible threat to their safety and security". Picture: Getty

By Chris Samuel

Everton’s board of directors were advised not to attend Saturday's game against Southampton at Goodison Park because of a “real and credible threat to their safety and security".

Protests were stage by fan groups against the board at the Premier League match, in which the Merseyside club lost, leaving them join-bottom of the table.

Following the defeat, Everton's sixth in seven league matches, boos rang out around the stadium, with many fans staying behind for organised sit-in in protest against the board.

Earlier, the team bus arrived at the ground with a police escort.

Everton said in a statement: "Chairman Bill Kenwright, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief finance and strategy officer Grant Ingles and non-executive director Graeme Sharp have reluctantly accepted the outcome of the safety assessment carried out by security advisors.

Read more: Girl, 7, and three women injured in drive-by shooting outside funeral in central London

Read more: Several luxury cars seized from Andrew Tate's property in Bucharest by Romanian authorities

"The board members received the instruction following malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence received by the club and increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour - including targeted physical aggression - at recent home matches."

Protest banners were visible during the game, and a sit-in protest was staged against the owners at full-time.
Protest banners were visible during the game, and a sit-in protest was staged against the board at full-time. Picture: Getty

A security and safety advisor said: "Following a thorough risk assessment, and in response to tangible threats received by the club and intelligence we have gathered, the club's board members have been told they must not attend today's fixture."

A spokesperson for the club added: "This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club - never before has our entire Board of Directors been ordered not to attend a match on safety grounds. It is a profoundly sad day for Everton and Evertonians."

Concerns for the safety of club's board have increased in recent weeks.

At a recent home home, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale was put in a headlock by a fan, club sources claimed.

Ms Barrett-Baxendale was not hurt in the alleged incident.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Universal has confirmed it's opening its first European theme park in Bedfordshire

Universal theme park set to open in Bedfordshire in 2031 in multi-billion pound boost for economy

Serial Killer Conviction Prompts Police To Warn Of Dating App Dangers

Paedophiles targeting single mums on dating apps in order to exploit their children

Exclusive
Sir Steve Redgrave has called for an urgent cleanup of the River Thames

Sir Steve Redgrave calls for clean-up of River Thames ahead of Oxford-Cambridge boat race

Glenn Armstrong bombarded the woman with unwanted messages prior to breaking into her Spennymoor home at around 4am on Thursday, January 2.

Stalker who bombarded ex with messages jailed for breaking into her home - after police find him at top of stairs with knife

Barry Dawson, 60, was killed after being shot through his front window, police have said

'Popular' County Durham dad, 60, was 'shot through his front window', police confirm

Esme Baker, 10, and her father, Lee Baker, 48, were killed in the fire

Fire at caravan park that killed father, 48, and daughter, 10, was 'accidental', investigation finds

Gladiators star Zack George, known as Steel, has revealed that his baby son has died.

Gladiators star reveals heartbreaking loss as baby boy dies days after being born prematurely

Boy, 15, and girl, 13, guilty of manslaughter following the death of Leicester pensioner Bhim Kohli

Bhim Kohli's teenage killers 'humiliated' pensioner in 'brutal and cruel' attack, says heartbroken daughter

Close up of a Police logo on a police officers uniform in Leeds,WEst Yorkshire,UK

Norwegian teenager arrested after being caught with guns in Yorkshire hotel room

x

UK should not 'jump in with both feet' to retaliate against Trump trade tariffs, PM urges

Wahib

'Jealous and controlling husband' who tried to cut wife's head off before leaving her to bleed to death jailed for life

Ashbourne Derbyshire England UK.

Two dead after aircraft crash in Derbyshire, as police tell public to avoid the area

The Government must “invest in childhood” or risk losing the next generation to poor mental health, a charity has warned.

Invest in childhood ‘or risk losing a generation to poor mental health’, charity warns

US-ECONOMY-MARKET-STOCKS

Relief for financial markets as stocks rebound from historic losses days on from tariff turmoil

XL Bullies Being Walked On Private Land After Ban

XL Bully mauled two people after being ordered to ‘kill’ by owner as victims left with 'horrific injuries'

Kerri Pegg, former governor of HMP Kirkham,

Prison governor guilty of misconduct after relationship with drug boss 'Jesse Pinkman' who gifted her £12k Mercedes