London – An investigation is underway following reports of an altercation involving supporters during Saturday’s Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Everton forward Thierno Barry publicly stated that his friends were attacked during the game, sparking a response from both Merseyside and Metropolitan Police.
The incident occurred towards the end of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton. Barry, who came on as a 69th-minute substitute for Beto, took to Instagram to share a video of a scuffle in the away end, where Everton fans were seated. He accompanied the video with a statement condemning the behavior as “unacceptable.”
“I bring my friends to enjoy a game, and it gets ruined by a few silly people,” Barry wrote in his initial post. “Football should be a place where everyone feels safe and respected. This type of attitude has no place in the game and is simply not tolerated in football. My friends and the people who were attacked had to be escorted by the Arsenal club’s security staff as well as the police since of fears of retaliation from our supporters.”
Los amigos de Thierno Barry fueron agredidos en el Arsenal – Everton.
Both the Metropolitan Police and Merseyside Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident. Merseyside Police stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Aware of videos circulating online of an altercation in the away section towards the end of the #ARSEVE match. We’re working with the Met Police to investigate.”
Barry followed up with a second statement on his Instagram story, addressing speculation that he had provided tickets to Arsenal supporters. “Some of the information circulating does not reflect reality,” he wrote. “Contrary to what has been suggested, I never gave tickets to Arsenal supporters. The people who were present to support me have always followed the clubs I have played for throughout my career, from Beveren to Basel, through Villarreal and now Everton. Yesterday, some of them were even wearing an Everton shirt with my name on it.”
He continued, “During the match, they were approached twice by supporters who asked whether they were supporting the opposing team. My friends and the people who were attacked had to be escorted by the Arsenal club’s security staff as well as the police because of fears of retaliation from our supporters.” Barry clarified that those involved were not family members, but relatives of another Everton player.
Everton released a statement acknowledging the incident, stating, “Violent or disorderly behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in football. It does not reflect the passionate and loyal support Everton receives both home and away. The club will work with the relevant authorities to establish the facts and take any appropriate action.” Merseyside Police have asked anyone with information to contact them, quoting reference 26000206746.
The match itself saw Arsenal secure a 2-0 win over Everton. Barry entered the game as a substitute in the 69th minute, replacing Beto. The incident, however, has overshadowed the result, raising concerns about fan conduct and safety at Premier League matches. This isn’t an isolated incident; stadium violence, while thankfully rare, remains a concern for authorities and clubs alike. The Emirates Stadium, like all major venues, has security protocols in place, but the speed with which altercations can escalate presents a constant challenge.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify those involved in the altercation. The focus will be on reviewing CCTV footage and gathering statements from witnesses to determine the full circumstances of the incident. The Premier League, too, will likely be reviewing the events at the Emirates Stadium to assess whether any further measures are needed to ensure the safety of supporters.
Everton’s next fixture is a home match against Burnley on March 22nd. The club will undoubtedly be hoping for a more positive atmosphere at Goodison Park, with the focus firmly on the football. Updates on the police investigation are expected in the coming days.
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