Liverpool and Everton release joint statement slamming sick abuse towards Abdoulaye Doucoure as police launch probe
LIVERPOOL and Everton have released a joint statement slamming vile racist abuse aimed at Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The midfielder was involved in a post-match bust-up with Curtis Jones after celebrating Everton's 98th minute derby equaliser in front of travelling Liverpool fans.
It sparked a mass brawl as teammates from both sides rushed in to the fray.
And both Doucoure and Jones were shown straight red cards by referee Michael Oliver.
However, Doucoure was subjected to disgraceful racist abuse in the wake of the game.
It's led to Liverpool and Everton putting aside their rivalry to condone the sick behaviour while offering their unconditional support to the midfielder.
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A joint statement read: "Liverpool FC and Everton FC 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.
"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.
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"We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers.
"Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities."
Doucoure and Jones weren't the only ones to receive red cards after the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and No2 Sipke Hulshoff also received their marching orders from Oliver.
Slot approached the ref to have a few words and shake his hand.
But as the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.
The manager was also seen berating an assistant referee.
The Premier League then revealed on their website that Slot will face two matches away from the sidelines as a result of the incident.
The Reds boss is said to have used "offensive, insulting, or abusive language".
But just an hour later, the Premier League's statement on Slot's ban had been deleted.
If Slot is banned for two games, he will be in the stands for Liverpool's home match with Wolves on Sunday and their trip to face Aston Villa on February 19.
However, it's understood that the FA still needs to review Michael Oliver’s post-match report.
They then have to decide on one of three options: whether to charge Slot, remind him of his responsibilities or take no further action.
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It means there’s a possibility the Liverpool manager and his assistant could be in the dugout for the game against Wolves.
If both Slot and Hulshoff are banned, former Everton star Johnny Heitinga could the nod to lead Liverpool.