- Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has tragically passed away at the age of 78
- Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson angered fans with his Kenwright tribute
- Anderson had hit a section of Everton fans this year for their protests
Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has been criticized after claiming ‘so-called Everton fans’ broke the heart of their late club chairman Bill Kenwright.
Kenwright’s death was announced by his family on Monday, with the 78-year-old having been battling cancer.
The legendary theater producer has been club chairman of Everton since 2004, after joining the board in 1989.
Kenwright’s role at the club has come under scrutiny from supporters in recent years, with the Toffees facing multiple relegation fears in the Premier League in recent seasons.
He was one of four board members advised not to attend matches earlier this year after it was alleged that general manager Denise Barrett-Baxendale was attacked by a supporter during a match in January.
Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has been criticized for his tribute to Bill Kenwright
Kenwright’s family, left, announced the death of the Everton club chairman on Tuesday
Anderson slammed a group of ‘so-called Everton fans’ for breaking Kenwright’s heart
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Anderson, who was mayor of Liverpool between 2012 and 2021, paid tribute to Kenwright on social media on Monday.
The lifelong Everton fan caused controversy by blasting a section of ‘so-called’ fans, who he branded as ‘toxic’.
“Bill Kenwright died after battling brain and recently liver cancer with courage and dignity,” Anderson wrote.
“But I know it was the toxic cancer from so-called fans who attacked him personally that hurt the most and broke his heart.
“His commitment and loyalty to Everton were unquestionable and he deserved better. RIP bill.”
The post on
“Horrible, unnecessary, inflammatory rhetoric. Worse still is the lack of respect for the deceased to ‘attach a tribute to it’, an Everton fan responded.
“I’ve seen some insensitive tweets in my time but this is one of the worst, what do you think?” wrote another.
‘This is absolutely disgusting. Are you trying to blame when someone has lost their life? You should be ashamed of yourself,” a third posted.
Anderson’s post referred to protests against Everton’s long-serving chairman this year
Anderson refused criticism and called for Kenwright to be recognized at Everton’s stadium
Everton have said their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will be Kenwright’s lasting legacy
Anderson doubled down on his post after criticism, adding that Kenwright should be honored when Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium opens.
‘The vitriol from a few is expected. I want to tell you that I spoke to him as I regularly did, and I did so hours before his surgery
“I will say more, not now but later, to the angry brigade. Sending you my love and prayers.
“The stadium, his legacy, must honor him appropriately.”
Everton have paid a series of tributes to Kenwright, who passed away peacefully on Monday while surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Owner Farhad Moshiri paid a heartwarming tribute, saying the club’s new stadium would serve as Kenwright’s lasting legacy to the club.
Tributes from football and entertainment have poured in for Kenwright.