A joint-statement has been released by a number of Everton fan groups confirming further protest details for Saturday's match against Leeds United and for all remaining home fixtures.
The Blues take on the Yorkshire outfit at Goodison Park looking to climb out of the relegation zone, with the club currently one point adrift of safety.
Everton were beaten in the Merseyside derby in their last match, having claimed a victory over Arsenal in Sean Dyche’s first fixture in charge. And with a return to Goodison nearing, a statement has been released on behalf of a number of Everton fan groups.
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The statement provides details of protests that will take place before every home match for the rest of the season, starting with Saturday’s game against Leeds. It also tells the club's board of directors, including majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, that they are 'not welcome back at Goodison ever again.'
Chairman Bill Kenwright, chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief finance and strategy officer Grant Ingles and non-executive director Graeme Sharp have not attended the previous two matches at Goodison Park.
Their decision followed what Everton claimed was a "real and credible threat to their safety and security" ahead of the clash with Southampton on January 14th. Members have the board have been at away fixtures since, with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri also in attendance at West Ham United on January 21st.
Merseyside Police was made aware of the claims but the force was not involved in the information-gathering process.
You can read the statement in full below.
“The recent fan movement actions have proven to be a resounding success in bringing together a significant portion of Everton fans, supporters clubs, fan groups and ex-players. However, it is now time to take our efforts to the next level,” the statement read.
“Following a meeting on February 16th 2023, it has been decided that a peaceful march will be held against the running of our beloved club prior to every home game for the remainder of the season or until this board is removed.
“The route for the march will remain the same, beginning at The Oak Pub and proceeding up Spellow Lane towards the Ground and finishing at the director’s entrance. It will always be one hour before the scheduled kick-off time.
“These marches will provide Evertonians with a meaningful and peaceful way to voice their opinions regarding the current board members and club owner, preventing such sentiments from spilling over into the game itself, where we will continue to support our team and manager wholeheartedly in our battle against relegation.
“Furthermore, we would like to make the current board aware that they are not welcome at Goodison park this season or ever again.
“We demand that the board and owner refrain from attending any further games. Such attendance would prove to be an unwanted distraction for both the fans and the team. It is our belief that you are not fit to lead our club, and your presence would only have a further negative impact.
“Put your egos aside and leave match days to the fans who care about the club and will attempt, once again, alongside Sean Dyche and his team to drag this team closer to safety at every opportunity available.
“If you choose to attend, you will be met with a post-match protest held outside the director’s car park following the game. We will make you aware once again that you are not welcome now, and you never will be again.
“We stand united in our efforts to safeguard the future of our club, and we implore the board and owner to respect the wishes of the Everton fanbase. Thank you.”
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