MERSEYSIDE POLICE are investigating after Brentford stars Ivan Toney and Rico Henry revealed members of their families suffered vile racist abuse from Everton fans.
It is not yet clear where or when the abuse took place, but Everton have already condemned the alleged abuse and revealed they are working with Merseyside Police to identify any individuals.
Brentford star Rico Henry (right) has said his mum was racially abused by Everton fansCredit: GettyIvan Toney said a man had racially abused his familyCredit: Reuters
Henry, who scored the winner in a thrilling 3-2 win at Goodison Park, wrote on social media: “I never usually speak out on things that don’t physically harm me or my family, but to see my mum upset after being racially abused by a few Everton fans brought fire to my stomach!
“I will do anything for them & whatever it takes to get the small minority punished!
“This is not acceptable & must be investigated immediately.”
Brentford striker Toney had earlier Tweeted: “For the man that racially abused my family I’ll do everything I can to get you the punishment you deserve!”
Jansson trolls Everton fans after 3.30am fireworks outside Brentford hotel
Everton responded to his message, writing: “There is no place in football – or society – for racism.
“We are assisting Merseyside Police to ensure the individual is identified and dealt with appropriately.”
Brentford later released a statement that read: “We are aware of an incident where racist abuse was directed towards family members of our players. A report has been made to both the police and to Everton FC.
“Brentford FC condemns all forms of discrimination and racist abuse in the strongest possible terms. We will offer our support to Rico’s and Ivan’s families and will fully co-operate with the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.”
Detective Inspector Catherine Cox of Merseyside Police said: “No matter what football team you support, there is absolutely no place for hate anywhere in Merseyside under any circumstances.
“Merseyside Police has investigated and successfully prosecuted so-called fans for racial abuse inside football stadia, and offenders have been handed football banning orders along with a criminal record for their behaviour.
“We will support the victims in this case and work with Everton Football Club to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Their views and their abuse is not welcome here in Merseyside, and they do not represent the overwhelming majority of football fans.
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage any football fans with information on racial abuse to speak with officers or stewards at the ground, or call 101 so we can identify and locate offenders, and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.”
FIREWORKS
The night before the game, Brentford players had been woken up at their Liverpool city centre hotel when Everton fans let off fireworks at around 3.30am.
Just like they did before the home win against Chelsea, Everton fans put on a middle of the night fireworks display in a bid to give their side the edge.
The late night led to a sluggish start for the visitors with Dominic Calvert-Lewin opening the scoring after just ten minutes.
But within eight minutes, Toffees youngster Jarrad Branthwaite had been sent off and Seamus Coleman scored an own goal to equalise.
Everton did go in front just before half-time, Richarlison scoring a penalty, before the game unravelled after the break.
Yoane Wissa headed in from a corner before Henry scored a powerful header just two minutes later.
Salomon Rondon – who had only been on the pitch two minutes – was then sent off leaving Everton still unsure of Premier League safety.
Toney couldn’t help but poke fun at the expense of the Goodison faithful.
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I’m a hair doctor & hair loss is caused by how it’s styled – like putting it bun
He wrote on Twitter: “Lovely display from the boys but not as good as the fireworks late last night.
“Normally I’m being woke up by my son but fireworks was a new one.”
Bees skipper Pontus Jansson reposted a video of the fireworks and wrote: “You could at least do it [for] more than 10 seconds!”
Even Brentford’s official Twitter account couldn’t resist getting involved as they wrote: “Our fireworks were on the pitch.”
