Everton’s board of directors has confirmed that they will not attend Saturday’s Premier League game against Southampton due to a “real and credible threat to their safety and security”.
Chairman Bill Kenwright, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Finance & Strategy Officer Grant Ingles, and Non-Executive Director Graeme Sharp will not be at Goodison Park as Frank Lampard’s side looks for their first win in eight games.
Everton begins the weekend in the relegation zone based on goal differential.
A safety and security official said: “Following a thorough risk assessment, and in response to tangible threats received by the club and intelligence we have gathered, the club’s board members have been told they must not attend today’s fixture.”
Everton claimed in a statement that they had received “malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence” and were particularly concerned about an increase in anti-social behaviour “including targeted physical aggression” at their recent home matches.
According to reports on Friday, fans have grown increasingly frustrated and have demanded the removal of the entire board, frequently singing “sack the board” during games this season.
Farhad Moshiri, the club’s primary owner, has not attended any games this season.
“This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club,” an Everton representative stated. “Never before has our whole board of directors been instructed not to attend a match for safety reasons. It is a very sad day for Everton and Evertonians.
