Richard Masters looking ahead
Richard Masters looking ahead
Football can often be a game that unites supporters across the country, but just as it unites, it can divide.
While tribalism is an inevitable part of supporting a football team, there are times when rivalry crosses the line into unnecessary and hurtful insults, including classism.
Efforts to tackle rising issues involving poverty and hunger have been a core part of the Toffees' fanbase's identity, making poverty chanting an especially troubling issue for supporters.
And now, the Premier League is being urged to take action after what was heard against Chelsea.
With a local MP sharing what he has asked of Masters.
Liverpool MP demands Premier League to take poverty chanting seriously
Poverty chanting has been a longstanding issue for supporters, particularly for both Everton and Liverpool.
And now a locally elected official is demanding that it be taken seriously by the Premier League.
Taking to X, Liverpool MP for West Derby, Ian Byrne has shared that he has sent a letter to Premier League CEO Richard Masters over unsavoury scenes in Everton's loss to Chelsea.
During the game on 17 October, poverty chanting could be heard from the away end, even if watching on TV, with Byrne demanding action be taken.
The letter to the CEO has requested that the Premier League make poverty chanting just as serious an offence as both tragedy chants and racism.
I’ve written to @premierleague Chief Executive Richard Masters demanding action on poverty chanting following Everton’s game against Chelsea.
Everton & Liverpool supporters have endured this class prejudice for years. Mocking families who cannot afford to put food on the table… pic.twitter.com/MOIdSSAHGD
— lan Byrne MP (@IanByrneMP) October 29, 2026
On the Premier League website, the league officially states they work closely with clubs to take "robust action" on those found to be guilty of tragedy chanting.
The Premier League also runs the "No Room For Racism" campaign to combat racial abuse.
But there is no campaign or actions listed over poverty chants.
Poverty chanting remains an uncomfortable issue for English football
The incident against Chelsea was not a one-off occasion, and these sorts of chants are often heard at multiple points throughout the season.
While rivalry and banter have long been part of the game, mocking people for struggling to afford necessities is a line that should never be crossed.
As the cost of living crisis continues, with even football being affected in terms of ticket prices and travel costs, you would assume fellow supporters would be just as understanding.
However, until the Premier League steps in, this issue will refuse to go away, with those partaking having no fear of repercussions.