Liverpool and Everton have issued a joint statement strongly condemning the racist abuse directed at Everton midfielder, Abdoulaye Doucoure following the 2-2 Merseyside derby draw at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
Merseyside Police have launched an investigation into the online abuse aimed at the 32-year-old, with Chief Superintendent Claire Doyle emphasizing that offenders will face serious consequences.
“We have successfully prosecuted individuals for racist abuse in the past, resulting in football banning orders and criminal records,” Doyle stated. “If you have any information, please come forward as it could aid our ongoing enquiries.”
In their joint statement, Liverpool and Everton labeled the abuse as “reprehensible” and vowed to assist authorities in identifying those responsible.
“Both clubs will work closely with Merseyside Police in their investigation,” the statement read. “We urge anyone who witnesses or experiences online abuse to report it. Social media platforms must take responsibility and implement stronger measures to eliminate such behavior.”
Doucoure was born in France to Malian Parents represented the country at youth level before he switched to represent the Malian National Team. The Premier League also condemned the abuse, expressing full support for Doucoure and Everton.
“We are appalled by the discrimination Abdoulaye has faced,” the league stated. “We will collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure those guilty of such behavior face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution.”
Doucoure’s case follows a troubling trend of racial abuse in football, with recent incidents involving England’s Kyle Walker, Newcastle’s Joe Willock, and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw.
Kick It Out (KIO) chief executive, Samuel Okafor recently told BBC Sport that the level of racial abuse in English football has “reached crisis point.”
Meanwhile, Doucoure will miss Everton’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday due to suspension, after receiving a second yellow card following a post-match altercation with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones.
