Everton’s board of directors told to NOT attend the team’s relegation six-pointer with Southampton
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Everton tell board of directors their “safety is under threat” and instruct them to stay home after chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale’s car “was ATTACKED” and fans sent “malicious and threatening” messages .
- Everton will host Southampton this afternoon in the Premier League.
- Fans have been venting their anger on the board in recent weeks.
- Today’s game was going to be the subject of protests from the fans.
- Everton’s board have been told not to attend because there is a threat to their safety.
Everton’s board of directors will stay away from today’s critical home game against Southampton after being warned against threats to their security.
In an unprecedented situation, chairman Bill Kenwright, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, the chief executive, financial director Grant Ingles and Graeme Sharp, one of the club’s best players, will stay away from Goodison Park.
This has been one of the most turbulent periods in Everton’s modern history and supporters, who are frustrated by the direction the club has taken under Farhad Moshiri’s seven-year ownership, will stage a sit-in protest after the end of the clash with Southampton.
Bill Kenwright will stay away from Goodison Park for today’s game against Southampton
has been claimed by Juliette Ferrington of BBC Sport that Barrett-Baxendale’s car was attacked and that the club’s general manager was “physically abused” by a fan after Everton’s last home game ended in a 4-1 defeat to Brighton.
Barrett-Baxendale was also the subject of “misogynistic, sexist and threatening language” as she tried to leave the stadium in her car.
On Friday night, a 40-second video was posted on Twitter showing a series of banners directed, collectively and individually, at criticizing the junta and calling for its removal. The atmosphere has become increasingly feverish.
Everton say Board members received the instruction following malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence received by the Club and increased incidents of anti-social behaviour, including targeted physical assault, in recent home matches.
A safety and security adviser said: “Following a thorough risk assessment, and in response to tangible threats received by the Club and intelligence we have gathered, Club Board members have been told not to attend today’s meeting.”
A Club spokesperson added: “This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club – never before has our entire Board of Directors been ordered not to attend a match for security reasons. It is a deeply sad day for Everton and the Evertonians.
The fans have directed their anger at the board, with Frank Lampard’s side on a dismal run