Everton and Liverpool football clubs have issued a joint condemnation of racist abuse directed at Abdoulaye Doucoure on social media following Wednesday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The former Mali international midfielder was targeted with racist messages after the 2-2 draw, which ended in controversy.
Both clubs have pledged to work with Merseyside Police, who have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the abuse.
The incident occurred after Doucoure was sent off following a post-match altercation with Liverpool's Curtis Jones.
Everton and Liverpool football clubs have issued a joint condemnation of racist abuse directed at Abdoulaye Doucoure on social media following Wednesday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park
PA
The confrontation unfolded after James Tarkowski scored an equaliser for Everton in the eighth minute of added time.
Following the final whistle, tensions escalated when Curtis Jones took exception to Doucoure's celebrations in front of Liverpool supporters.
Both players were shown second yellow cards and subsequently sent off for their involvement in the ensuing scuffle.
The incident then led to Doucoure becoming the target of racist abuse on social media platforms in the aftermath of the match.
JUST IN:Luke Littler's legal team force pub to change name after 'crazy' ordeal
— Everton (@Everton) February 13, 2025
In a joint statement, the clubs said: "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."
"Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated," the statement continued.
The clubs urged people to report online abuse to social media platforms, emphasising that "platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers."
The statement concluded: "Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadia or in our communities."
Merseyside Police confirmed they are investigating the reports of racist abuse, stating they "take these reports of hate crime extremely seriously."
The force emphasised their track record in prosecuting similar offences, noting: "We have successfully prosecuted so-called fans for racist abuse and they have been handed football banning orders along with a criminal record for their behaviour."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Police officials urged anyone with information to come forward, stressing: "Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime in any form and is working to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing it."
The result leaves Liverpool in a commanding position at the top of the Premier League, seven points clear of Arsenal.
For Everton, the hard-fought draw helps maintain their distance from the relegation battle.
Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure was sent off at the end of his side's 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday night
PA
The Toffees currently sit 15th in the Premier League standings.
They hold a 10-point cushion above the relegation zone following the dramatic derby encounter.
