Everton have released a statement following the arrest of a supporter after reports that racist abuse was heard during their 3-3 draw against Manchester City on Monday night
Everton's crest is pictured on a corner flag
Everton have released a statement(Image: PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images)
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An Everton supporter has been arrested on suspicion of directing racist abuse towards Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo on Monday night. Everton drew 3-3 with City in a dramatic Premier League game at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. It read: "Everton Football Club can confirm that a supporter was arrested during Monday evening’s 3-3 Premier League draw with Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium following reports of racist abuse directed towards an opposition player.
"Merseyside Police arrested a 71-year-old man on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after supporters and stewards reported the incident.
"He has since been bailed with conditions, including restrictions preventing him from going within one mile of any designated sports stadium for a period of up to four hours before kick-off, during matches and up to four hours after the final whistle.
"Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadia, our sport or in society, and behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated.
"A swift response from fellow supporters, stewards and Merseyside Police led to the individual being identified and appropriate action taken. The club will continue to work closely with the authorities to support their investigation and will take the strongest possible action in line with its zero-tolerance approach."
City confirmed that the alleged abuse was aimed at Semenyo, while also calling out online abuse towards defender Marc Guehi. They said in their own statement: "Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse directed towards Antoine Semenyo at yesterday’s match. We welcome the swift action taken by Everton and the police to identify the individual responsible.
Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly shot is saved by Everton's Jordan Pickford with Michael Keane and James Tarkowski
Everton drew 3-3 with Manchester City on Monday night(Image: Lee Parker/Getty Images)
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"We are also incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guehi was subject to a series of vile racist social media posts last night. We will continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Marc and never accept discrimination of any kind in our game."
City snatched a draw on Merseyside thanks to Jeremy Doku's second goal in the last minute of added time. The Belgian winger opened the scoring for the title-chasing side, but three goals in 15 second-half minutes saw Everton race into a 3-1 lead.
Thierno Barry levelled at 1-1 after a mistake by Marc Guehi before a header from Jake O'Brien gave the home side the lead from a corner. Barry then added another with a tap-in to give Everton a two-goal cushion.
That didn't last long, with Erling Haaland scoring straight from the kick-off with a chipped finish before Doku curled in a dramatic late equaliser for City.