The reputation of Everton and the club’s fans has been called into question following viral images of a threatening banner circulating on social media.
Fan anger has threatened to reach boiling point over the seemingly imminent appointment of ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez as the club’s new manager.
According to Sky Sports, the club is provisionally planning to confirm his arrival on Tuesday.
Earlier in the month, links with the former Newcastle and Napoli manager saw fans unfurling protest managers with crude messages outside of Goodison Park, though the latest rounds of banners is courting notable controversy.
Allegedly, a banner was unfurled outside Benitez’ home late last night and was covered in a threatening message reading ‘we know where you live’, before stating ‘dont (sic) sign’.
Benitez continues to live on Merseyside to this day with his wife and daughters following his exit from Chinese club Dalian Professional in January.
Read Everton Verdict
Fans have every right to be enraged and disappointed with the club’s decision to move for Benitez, but a criminal level of intimidation and disgust is unacceptable.
Many Everton fans themselves have taken to social media to condemn the banners, with the actions of a minority of Evertonians bringing the club and its fans into disrepute.
As a result of such disgraceful messages, one Everton fan in Greg O’Keefe – an Everton writer for The Athletic – described the banners as ‘reprehensible’.
As O’Keefe agreed with when discussing the matter further in the replies to a Tweet, the actions of the fans displaying the banners only emboldens the sympathy and understanding felt towards Benitez.
Comments.
Loading comments…