Everton steward struck in face with flare at derby
The steward was struck as the team coaches arrived at Goodison Park
- Published
An Everton steward was struck in the face with a pyrotechnic flare ahead of the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
Video footage circulating on social media showed the still-burning flare striking the employee under his left eye, leaving a blue mark.
The steward did not lose his footing or suffer serious injuries and was well enough to continue his duties after being checked over.
Merseyside Police said the steward was "shocked" and the force would continue to support Everton to "eradicate" the "dangerous and reckless" use of pyrotechnics.
The flare was thrown as the team coaches were arriving at the player's entrance outside Goodison Park for last time ahead of Everton's move to its new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Everton has been vocal in its condemnation of flares and similar pyrotechnic devices at matches.
Merseyside Police said the steward was "shocked" but uninjured
It said the devices can burn at high-temperatures and had been responsible for fans being burnt and having breathing difficulties.
The club said people identified throwing pyrotechnics or possessing them inside the stadium could face criminal prosecution and bans from attending matches.
Everton also released a joint statement with Liverpool FC and Merseyside Police condemning the "reprehensible" racist abuse of Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure after the local rivals played out a 2-2 draw.
The statement said: "Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police, who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.
"We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears."
The clubs also urged social media platforms to "take accountability" for abuse by their users.
The derby ended in drama with a last gasp equaliser from Everton defender James Tarkowski.
Liverpool's Curtis Jones was then shown red for clashing with Doucoure, who was also sent off.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Spike Hulshoff were also given post-whistle red cards after confronting referee Michael Oliver.
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