Everton Football Club have declined to comment further on an allegation chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale was placed in a headlock during a matchday at Goodison Park.
Club sources detailed the incident in response to queries flowing from the statement it released hours before the match with Southampton. The announcement, which publicised the existence of a “real and credible threat” to the safety and security of the board of directors, said that members had been the subject of “targeted physical aggression”.
Such was the severity of the reported incident, and the fact the club had already gone on the record with claims of "physical aggression", the ECHO and other media outlets published articles upon receipt of the same information from senior club sources - and then continued to seek further details from the club throughout the day and over the course of the weekend. This included when it took place at and whether it was the subject of a police or internal investigation. However, it has since been confirmed that no formal complaint was made to Merseyside Police and the matter is understood to have been dealt with internally and considered as resolved. On Monday night, Everton FC said: “The club will not be making any comment related to specific historic incidents.”
READ MORE: Frank Lampard issues challenge to Everton youngster attracting interest from across Europe
MICHAEL BALL: Everton players 'not good enough' and need to take account for club 'mess'
That comment is also understood to relate to further examples of physical aggression and threats provided to the ECHO and which the ECHO sought further clarification over. Club sources had also claimed Professor Barrett-Baxendale had her car surrounded and spat at following a match and had been subjected to misogynistic abuse.
Chairman Bill Kenwright was said to have received death threats and, after the 4-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, a barrier was thrown into a glass entry at Goodison Park. The ECHO asked whether the threats made to Mr Kenwright had been reported to police, as well as whether Merseyside Police had been involved in putting together the intelligence picture that led to the warning that directors should not attend the Southampton match.
The ECHO also made enquiries with Merseyside Police, beginning on Saturday lunchtime. The force initially told the ECHO it was liaising with the club before, following further requests for information, publicly confirming it had not received formal complaints about any of the issues said to have formed the backdrop of the warning issued to directors. The force was not involved in putting together the wider intelligence picture behind that advice but was made aware of it. Everton said the police graded the match as high risk as a result.
Outlining the involvement of the force, a statement released on Monday afternoon said: “We can confirm that Merseyside Police is liaising with Everton Football Club following alleged threats towards directors ahead of the Premier League fixture against Southampton on Saturday, 14 January. No threats or incidents were reported to police prior to the game, but we are in communication with the club to establish if any offences have taken place, and to ensure that any future reports are received through existing channels.
“Any threats reported to Merseyside Police would be assessed and investigated as a matter of course, and any appropriate safety measures implemented.”
Referring to incidents after the game in which some players, including Yerry Mina and Anthony Gordon, were approached as they attempted to leave the ground, Merseyside Police added: “We are also aware of videos in circulation of fans approaching players’ cars as they made their way from Goodison Park after the match. At this stage no offences have been reported.”
Such are the concerns detailed to the club, it is conducting a review of security arrangements. In the statement released on Monday night the club once again referred to incidents at games prior to the Southampton fixture as forming part of the overall picture of concern.
It said: “Everton Football Club is reviewing all matchday and non-matchday security arrangements following the home game with Southampton on Saturday. Enhanced security procedures and protocols are being put in place for the club’s players and staff following incidents at this and previous games.”
The statement went on to add: “Everton’s directors were instructed to not attend Saturday’s fixture following a thorough security assessment in advance of the game. The guidance was based on intelligence gathered and information received directly by the club.
“Everton’s game with Southampton was made a high risk fixture following consultation with Merseyside Police. Following further discussions with the force, the Club can confirm that Everton’s next fixture at Goodison Park (Arsenal on Saturday 4 February) will also be categorised as high risk.
“The club will not be making any comment related to specific historic incidents.
“The health, safety and security of our supporters, staff and players is and will always remain our top priority.
“The club would like to thank the vast majority of supporters who behaved impeccably before, during and after the game with Southampton - as they have done throughout the season.”
READ NEXT
- Everton 'exploring' chance of making Kamaldeen Sulemana first January transfer window signing
- Everton players 'not good enough' and need to take account for club 'mess'
- Frank Lampard issues challenge to Everton youngster attracting interest from across Europe
- Obvious change that Farhad Moshiri must make running Everton
- Everton release statement on security arrangements as decision made over Arsenal fixture
