Everton and Liverpool unite to condemn racist abuse directed at Abdoulaye Doucoure

By: The Associated Press Posted: 9:14 AM CST Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool united on Thursday to condemn “in the strongest possible terms” racist abuse directed at Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure on social media.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/02/2025 (599 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The teams said the abuse was received by Doucoure after the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday, which finished 2-2. After the final whistle, Doucoure was involved in a melee containing players, officials and police officers that took place in front of Liverpool’s visiting fans.

“Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated,” Everton and Liverpool said in a joint statement.

Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrates scoring during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park, Liverpool, England, Saturday Feb. 1, 2025. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)

“Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.”

The teams encouraged social media companies to “take a zero-tolerance stance” on racism.

“Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers,” the teams said.

Doucoure was seen celebrating in front of Liverpool’s fans after Everton scored a last-gasp equalizer through James Tarkowski to draw the final derby to be played at Goodison Park before the home side moves to a new stadium next season.

Curtis Jones took exception to Doucoure’s conduct and grabbed hold of his rival, sparking a free-for-all. After it finally settled down, Doucoure and Jones were both shown second yellow cards by referee Michael Oliver and therefore sent off. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were also shown red cards.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said immediately after the match that he thought Doucoure “wanted to provoke our fans.”

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer