Everton directors asked not to attend Southampton match due to ‘real and credible threat to their safety’ | football news

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The Everton board have been told not to attend Saturday’s Goodison Park game against Southampton due to a “real and credible threat to their safety and security”.

Fan groups have planned to stage a protest at the scoreboard of the Premier League match with Everton in the relegation zone after six matches without a win.

An Everton statement read: “Chairman Bill Kenwright, Chief Executive Dennis Barrett Baxendale, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer Grant Inglis and Non-Executive Director Graeme Sharpe reluctantly agreed with the outcome of the safety assessment carried out by Security Advisers.

“The members of the board were instructed following unacceptably malicious and threatening correspondence received by the club and increased incidents of anti-social behavior – including targeted physical assault – in recent home matches.”

“After conducting a comprehensive risk assessment, and in response to concrete threats received by the club and intelligence we have gathered, the club’s board members have been told they should not attend today’s match,” the security and safety advisor said.

A club spokesperson added: “This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club – our entire board has never before been ordered not to attend a match for safety reasons. It is a very sad day for Everton and Everton.”

Moshiri backs Lampard in open letter to fans Photo: Farhad Moshiri He eased the pressure on Frank Lampard

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is adamant he has faith in manager Frank Lampard and the board as he seeks to calm simmering tensions between fans ahead of facing Southampton at home.

“I have faith in the work being done by not only our manager, but our director of football (Kevin Thelwell) and our board,” he wrote in an open letter.

“This belief is based on my knowledge of the depth and quality of the work being done both at Finch Farm and at the Royal Liver Building – and of the plan.

“I am confident we have skilled, experienced and focused professionals at all levels of the club.

“We are all in agreement that our current situation in the league has to and will improve.

“The focus of myself, the club and the fans is aligned – I prefer Everton – and I’m confident we can move forward in a constructive and positive way.

“I welcome the Fan Advisory Council’s plans to host a series of sessions with fans to gather feedback, ideas and concerns – of which the Forum is a part.”

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