Rival fans have asked the Football Association to launch an investigation after Everton striker Richarlison appeared to throw a flare back into the crowd.
The object was thrown onto the Goodison Park pitch after the Brazilian opened the scoring in the Toffees’ pivotal Premier League clash with Chelsea. The chance came about after Cesar Azpilicueta surrendered position in front of goal.
Demarai Gray poked the ball through and Richarlison made no mistake, scoring his ninth goal of the league season. His strike sparked wild scenes of celebration, with Everton desperate for all three points in their battle against the drop.
Burnley ’s remarkable run of form in recent weeks has seen the Merseysiders drop into the bottom three, going into the game against Chelsea five points behind Leeds having played two games fewer. A win for Frank Lampard’s side would reignite their hopes of survival and the celebrations reflected what a huge moment Richarlison’s goal could be.
And as he celebrated in front of the Gwladys Street end, a blue flare was thrown onto the pitch, with Sky Sports cameras showing him appearing to throw it back from where it came.
Supporters on social media were quick to question whether the forward could face some retrospective action, months after the FA contacted Liverpool over a similar incident involving Harvey Elliott.
The talented midfielder scored from the spot during the Reds’ Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea back in February and was seen celebrating with a pyrotechnic in the midst of the celebrations. Pyrotechnics are banned inside football stadiums in England and Jurgen Klopp said the incident was a “mistake” from the 18-year-old.
"I haven't spoken to Harvey yet. Will I speak to him? Yes, maybe,” he said, shortly after the FA had asked Elliott for his observations of the incident. "Harvey is a very young man on the pitch, and also I think he's still a little bit more a boy.
“That's not a problem. It was a mistake. All because of the role model role we have, as people working in public, I understand 100% I will tell him. I can promise he will not do it again. Do I think was the worst thing that ever happened in world football? No.”
One Liverpool fan said: "Remember when there was pearl-clutching and then an investigation (and fine?) because Harvey Elliot was pictured carrying a flare that had been thrown on the pitch?" Before a second posted: "I hope the FA will be speaking to Richarlison seeing that he's picked up a flare, or it was just Elliott?"
Ahead of Everton’s Merseyside derby vs Liverpool at Anfield last week, the club sent a message to fans regarding the use of pyrotechnics by their supporters.
“Everton Football Club does not condone the use of pyrotechnics under any circumstances,” the statement reads. “Any fan found using them will be subject to action by the Club and Police.
“Away Clubs use various techniques to detect the possession and use of pyrotechnics. Any person found in possession of such items is liable to arrest which could result in a criminal conviction and subsequent football ban.”
