Liverpool and Everton have issued a joint statement condemning the racist abuse directed at Abdoulaye Doucouré following the Merseyside derby, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Liverpool and Everton, both Premier League clubs, issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning the racist comments directed at Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré on social media following Wednesday’s Merseyside derby, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
The statement reinforced both clubs' commitment to fighting discrimination and highlighted the need for action against those responsible for spreading hate online.
The incident that sparked controversy occurred after Doucouré scored Everton’s second goal of the match, giving his side a crucial lead in a fiercely contested derby. The midfielder, clearly fired up by the occasion, celebrated in front of the Liverpool supporters, a moment that triggered an intense reaction from the away fans. Bottles and other objects were thrown onto the pitch in frustration, escalating tensions on and off the field. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, visibly agitated by Doucouré’s celebration, confronted the Everton player, leading to a heated exchange. The altercation quickly escalated into a shoving match between multiple players, forcing the referee to step in and show red cards to both Doucouré and Jones, reducing both teams to ten men for the remainder of the game.
While the match ended in a hard-fought draw, with both sides sharing the points, the post-match narrative quickly shifted to the appalling abuse directed at Doucouré on social media. The Malian international became the target of a wave of racist comments, which Everton and Liverpool swiftly condemned. In their joint statement, the clubs made it clear that such behavior is completely unacceptable and called for immediate action against those responsible.
“These comments are not just unacceptable, they are abhorrent,” the statement read. “Racism and hate have no place online, in our stadiums, or in our communities. Football is a sport that should unite people, not be used as a platform for discrimination and abuse.” The clubs reiterated their stance on zero tolerance for racism and reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all players, staff, and supporters.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the incident, working closely with both clubs to identify the individuals behind the racist abuse. “We are aware of the unacceptable comments directed at Abdoulaye Doucouré on social media and have initiated an investigation. We are committed to taking appropriate action against those responsible for such disgraceful behavior,” a police spokesperson stated.
This latest case of online abuse highlights the ongoing issue of racism in football, particularly on social media platforms, where players frequently become targets of discriminatory attacks. The Premier League, FA, and various football organizations have repeatedly called on tech companies to take greater responsibility in monitoring and removing hateful content, but cases like this continue to emerge, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and stronger consequences for offenders.
Both Liverpool and Everton have a long history of standing together against discrimination, particularly in a city known for its passionate football culture and deep community ties. In previous years, both clubs have taken part in numerous anti-racism initiatives, including the Premier League’s No Room for Racism campaign, which aims to tackle discrimination at all levels of the game. Club captains, managers, and players have frequently used their platforms to speak out against racism and call for greater action in holding perpetrators accountable.
Everton manager Sean Dyche expressed his disappointment at the situation, condemning the abuse directed at Doucouré and emphasizing the need for greater education and awareness. “It’s incredibly frustrating that we’re still having to talk about this in 2025,” Dyche said in his post-match interview. “Doucouré is a fantastic professional and a valued member of our team. No player should have to deal with such disgusting treatment. We need to continue pushing for stronger action and making sure that football remains a game for everyone.”
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp echoed these sentiments, reaffirming that there is no place for racism in football or society. “I don’t care if you support Liverpool, Everton, or any other club there is no excuse for this kind of behavior,” Klopp stated. “We have to do better. We need more accountability from social media platforms, we need more education, and we need to make sure that footballers, and people in general, feel safe and respected.”
The issue of racism in football has been an ongoing battle, with governing bodies, clubs, and players continuously speaking out against discrimination. High-profile incidents over the past few seasons have prompted football organizations to push for stricter regulations, but many feel that more needs to be done, particularly in terms of holding social media companies accountable for allowing hate speech to spread.
Doucouré has yet to publicly respond to the abuse, but support has poured in from teammates, fans, and fellow professionals who have condemned the treatment he has received. Many have taken to social media to express solidarity with the Everton midfielder, urging authorities to take decisive action against those responsible. The Kick It Out anti-racism campaign also released a statement, calling for urgent measures to protect players from abuse and ensure that offenders are punished accordingly.
As Merseyside Police continue their investigation, there is hope that those responsible for the racist comments will be identified and face appropriate consequences. The Premier League and its clubs remain committed to eradicating racism from the game, but incidents like this serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a truly inclusive and respectful footballing environment.
With tensions from the Merseyside derby still lingering, the focus now shifts to how authorities and football organizations respond to this latest case of discrimination. Liverpool and Everton have taken a strong stance in their condemnation, but the question remains: will meaningful action be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, or will racism in football continue to persist, hidden behind the anonymity of social media?
