The Premier League have released a statement condemning racist abuse directed towards Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure after the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
Doucoure, 32, started the match and was sent off after he became embroiled in a tussle with Curtis Jones, who was also given his marching orders by Michael Oliver.
The Mali international appeared to taunt Liverpool fans gathered in the away section of the stadium before Jones, 24, quickly intervened.
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A brawl involving multiple players ensued before Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were dismissed by Oliver.
After the match, the Everton midfielder was subject to racist abuse on social media.
The Premier League released a statement at 1:57 pm on Thursday afternoon.
"The Premier League is appalled by the abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure," read the statement.
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"Discrimination of any kind has no place in our game or anywhere in society. If you see or hear abuse, report it."
Both clubs also released a joint statement.
“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,” read the statement posted to both clubs’ websites.
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“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.
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“Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadia or in our communities.”
Topics: Racism, Football, Liverpool, Everton, Champions League
Luke Davies