Everton have released a statement confirming the club will investigate allegations of homophobic chanting during Saturday’s fixture with Chelsea.
A small section of home fans were reported to have directed the chant towards opposition supporters during the ?Premier League clash, which finished 3-1 to the Toffees.
And, in conjunction with anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out, the club have confirmed they will investigate the chants – and have urged fans with any information to come forward.
? | #EFC is working in conjunction with Kick It Out and has commenced an investigation into homophobic chanting reported during Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea.
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— Everton Fan Services (@efc_fanservices) December 8, 2019
“?Everton is working in conjunction with Kick It Out and has commenced an investigation into homophobic chanting reported during Saturday’s Premier League game against ?Chelsea,” said a ?club statement.
“Both the Club and Kick It Out have received reports of a homophobic chant being aimed at Chelsea’s fans by a small section of the home crowd.
“Homophobia has no place within our stadium, our Club, our community or our game. The Club strongly condemns such behaviour and is carrying out a thorough investigation which will include liaison with Merseyside Police.
“Matchgoers who have information relating to any form of discrimination should email reportit@evertonfc.com.”
The game saw Everton, in their first match since sacking Marco Silva, bounce back from a crushing Merseyside derby defeat to climb out of the relegation zone with a surprise win over the Stamford Bridge giants.
Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin had the Toffees two goals in front within five minutes of the second half, and Mateo Kovacic had threatened to make a game of it, before Calvert-Lewin – later described as a ‘colossus’ by interim boss Duncan Ferguson – struck late to make sure of the points.
Behind the scenes, meanwhile, the search for a new permanent boss continues, with River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo the ?latest to emerge as a reported target.
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