Everton directors have been advised not to attend the Southampton game on Saturday due to a “credible threat to their safety”, the Liverpool club said.
Groups of supporters of the Toffes have foreseen a protest against the direction, in the duel with the Saints.
“President Bill Kenwright, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, CFO Grant Ingles and Non-Executive Director Graeme Sharp have reluctantly accepted the outcome of the security assessment conducted by security consultants,” the club said.
“Board members received the instruction following malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence received by the club and increasing incidents of anti-social behavior – including targeted physical assault – in recent home matches,” continued the Toffees.
“This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club – never before has our entire Board of Directors been ordered not to attend a match for security reasons. It’s a deeply sad day for Everton and the Evertonians,” said a spokesman for the Liverpool emblem.
