Everton fans have written to Brentford players Ivan Toney and Rico Henry to express their dismay and sorrow after the players family members were racially abused during the 3-2 loss at Goodison Park.
Henry was on target, scoring the winner, and after the final whistle, both players reported that their families were targeted during the game. Henry first posted on Instagram: "I never usually speak out on things that don’t physically harm me or my family but to see my mom upset after being racially abused...brought fire to my stomach," before adding on Twitter: "I will do anything for them & whatever it takes to get the small minority punished! This is not acceptable & must be investigated immediately."
Striker Ivan Toney tweeted last week: "And for the man that racially abused my family [I'll] do everything I can to get you the punishment you deserve!" Everton released a response to Toney immediately on social media, saying: "There is no place in football - or society - for racism. We are assisting Merseyside Police to ensure the individual is identified and dealt with appropriately."
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Everton Fans Forums have since released a letter themselves, which was sent to the players as well as publicly, saying: "We are writing from the Everton Fans Forum on behalf of all true Evertonians to express our dismay and sorrow at the distress your families endured at Goodison Park on Sunday. Like you, we believe there is absolutely no place for discrimination or hate of any kind in our game, our club, our city or in society anywhere. And please be assured all true Evertonians agree and stand with you.
"We know you will have felt the fierce passion and fervent support we have for our club at our game. But I hope, from all the social media messages and responses you have received, you also understand Evertonians are also fair, open-minded, compassionate and inclusive.
"And in the individuals who abused your families do not represent Evertonians. We fully support Everton football club and Merseyside Police's swift response to Sunday's incidents and as a Fans' Forum we are actively utilising our communication platforms to encourage anyone who knows anything about the incident to come forward and let the club or the police know.
"We fully endorse life bans from Goodison Park for anybody using racist language. As the Everton Fans' Forum, we have worked with the club to launch the 'Evertonians Against Hate' group and much effort is taken through our each season to combat discrimination and hatred, and to remind supporters of the reporting channels should they experience or witness abuse of any kind.
"As supporters we are determined to ensure Goodison Park is a place where everyone - player or fan, Evertonian or opposition - is made to feel they are respected. To fight against racism is an ongoing one, not just in football but our society. It is a fight we at Evertonians and the club are committed to taking the distance.
"And as representatives of all true Evertonians, we wish you and your families well and send a message that you, they, and all Bees supporters are always welcome at Goodison Park."
