Everton and Liverpool condemn racist abuse directed towards Abdoulaye Doucoure

Everton and Liverpool have condemned the racist abuse directed towards Abdoulaye Doucoure after the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.

The former Mali international and Curtis Jones were sent off for second bookable offences following the final whistle after scuffling, when the Reds midfielder took exception to his opponent’s celebrations in front of visiting fans, in reaction to James Tarkowski’s equaliser in the eighth minute of added time.

Doucoure was subsequently targeted with abuse on social media after the 2-2 Premier League draw.

“Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby,” said a joint statement by the two clubs.

“Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated.

“Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.

“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 stadia or in our communities.”