Everton directors to skip game because of ‘credible threat’

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Everton’s board of administrators have been instructed to not attend Saturday’s residence match towards Southampton due to a “real and credible threat to their safety and security,” the Premier League group stated.

The resolution was made forward of experiences of a potential protest at Goodison Park within the wake of Everton’s poor type this season.

“The board members received the instruction following malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence received by the club and increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour — including targeted physical aggression — at recent home matches,” the membership stated in an announcement.

Everton is third from the foot of the desk and three factors forward of last-place Southampton going into Saturday’s recreation.

Chairman Bill Kenwright, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief finance and technique officer Grant Ingles and non-executive director Graeme Sharp have been suggested to not attend the match, the membership stated.

Everton’s assertion included a quote from a safety adviser: “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 has did not win any of its final eight video games in all competitions and misplaced 4-1 at residence to Brighton in its final residence match.

“This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club — never before has our entire board of directors been ordered not to attend a match on safety grounds. It is a profoundly sad day for Everton and Evertonians,” the membership stated.