Liverpool and Everton have condemned the online racism campaign against Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday’s Merseyside derby, which ended with a 2-2 score.
The midfielder shared an image of himself on Instagram following the draw, which was flooded with racist comments that were investigated by Merseyside police.
“We have successfully prosecuted so-called fans for racist abuse, and they have been handed football banning orders along with a criminal record for their behavior,” Chief Superintendent Claire Doyle of Merseyside Police told the BBC.
Both clubs released a joint statement on Thursday condemning the abuse “in the strongest possible terms” and describing it as “reprehensible.
“Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police, who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible,” the clubs said.