FootyChatter.com

Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure was sent off along with Liverpool's Curtis Jones at the end of the Merseyside derby Liverpool and Everton have jointly condemned online racist abuse received by Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, while Merseyside Police have opened an investigation. Doucoure, 32, was targeted on social media following his side's 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday. Chief superintendent Claire Doyle of Merseyside Police, external said: "We have successfully prosecuted so-called fans for racist abuse and they have been handed football banning orders along with a criminal record for their behaviour. "If you have any information in relation please let us know because it could help our ongoing enquiries. " A joint statement, external by the clubs described the abuse as "reprehensible" and condemned it "in the strongest possible terms". "Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police, who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible, " the clubs said. "We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears. "We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers. "Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities. " The Premier League has also issued a statement in support of Doucoure, saying it was "appalled" by the abuse he had received. "We join Everton and Liverpool in strongly condemning this abhorrent abuse and have offered our full support to Abdoulaye and the club, " said the Premier League, external. "We are working with the relevant social media companies and authorities to help ensure that any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution. "Football is for everyone and there is no place for discrimination in our game or anywhere in society. " Doucoure's online racial abuse follows recent cases involving England defender Kyle Walker, Newcastle United's Joe Willock and Manchester City's Khadija Shaw. In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Samuel Okafor, chief executive of anti-discrimination body Kick It Out (KIO), said the level of abuse in English football had "reached crisis point". Doucoure will miss Everton's Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Saturday (17: 30 GMT) through suspension. He was shown a second yellow card after the full-time whistle on Wednesday following a scuffle with Liverpool's Curtis Jones. Police contacted as Willock faces 'appalling' racist abuse Man City 'appalled' after Shaw subjected to abuse Walker wants Instagram to help in fighting racism Latest Everton news, analysis and fan views Get Everton news sent straight to your phone FA Cup to use semi-automated offsides for first time What happens now after Slot's red card? Injuries affected England's training time - Mc Cullum Watch the UEFA Champions League highlights on i Player All the goals and unmissable moments from Europe's greatest football club competition Your first look at the new Scot-Squad spin-off Join Scot Squad’s top cop as he dives deep into his daily duties The tale of a billionaire family, stolen relics and fake treasure A scholar turned sleuth hunts stolen relics, exposing a scandal of biblical proportions The transformation of three men sentenced to life Three men sentenced to life for murder undertake running a marathon around a crowded prison yard 'Goodison was never going to go quietly - but this was something else' Celtic take German lessons to avert 'absolute thumping' What has derby drama done to title race? Champions Wigan the hunted as Super League returns Europe's best title race? The 'chaos' of 2. Bundesliga Who could replace Gatland as next Wales head coach? Man City's lack of belief and ageing team exposed by ruthless Real Madrid The Afghan women's team who will not be silenced Super Bowl win sees Mailata complete 'greatest story in football' Football Daily. Audio Football Daily In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week End of a dynasty? What next for the Chiefs after Super Bowl blowout? Lions watch week two: Fly-halves, flankers & props star 'Ireland live rent free in Scotland's heads - again' Philadelphia Eagles destroy Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl. Video Philadelphia Eagles destroy Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl Boom or bust? Golf in flux but is it really thriving? 'Complete team' Ireland in driving seat for hat-trick Hoy reception & England's dramatic finish in Six Nations best moments. Video Hoy reception & England's dramatic finish in Six Nations best moments Fin Smith's composure gives England vital new dimension - Dawson 'I'm happy it was like that' - so was FA Cup better without VAR? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.