Two police forces and Everton FC are looking into reports of an “altercation” in the away end at Arsenal on Saturday evening
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
General view inside the Emirates Stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton on March 14, 2026 in London, England(Image: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Two police forces and Everton Football Club are looking into reports of an “altercation” in the away end at Arsenal on Saturday evening.
Footage posted online, including by Blues forward Thierno Barry, claims to show images of a disturbance in the Everton end during the club’s game at the Emirates.
Alongside a clip of the incident, Barry wrote that he had friends among a group of people who had to be “escorted by the Arsenal club’s security staff as well as the police because of fears of retaliation from our supporters”.
The ECHO understands police are aware of allegations made online that those who were the subject of what Barry described as an ‘attack’ were fans of Arsenal, who won 2-0 due to late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman.
In his message to his 174,000 followers on Instagram Barry, a France youth international who came off the bench for Everton in the second half, wrote: “This kind of behaviour is not acceptable in a stadium. I bring my friends to enjoy a game, and it gets ruined by a few silly people.
“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 because of fears of retaliation from our supporters.”
The incident is being probed by both Merseyside Police, which supports the local force when clubs from the area play away games, and the Metropolitan Police, which oversees matches at the Emirates.
They are understood to be aware of the allegations the incident may have involved people who appeared to support Arsenal.
In an appeal for information released on Saturday night, the dedicated Merseyside Police account for sharing information surrounding Everton matches on X, formerly Twitter, wrote: “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.”
Everton are also looking into the reports. A club statement called on anyone with information to support the police enquiry. It said: “Everton Football Club is aware of an incident involving supporters in the away section at Emirates Stadium and will review the circumstances surrounding it.
“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.
“Anyone who witnessed or was involved in the incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police via X @MerPolCC quoting reference 26000206746.”