Everton’s Board of Directors has been instructed not to attend today’s Premier League fixture against Southampton due to a’real and credible threat to their safety and security,’ according to a statement issued by the club.” “Chairman Bill Kenwright, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Finance & Strategy Officer Grant Ingles, and Non-Executive Director Graeme Sharp reluctantly accepted the outcome of security advisors’ safety assessment.” The instruction came after the Club received malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence, as well as an increase in anti-social behaviour, including targeted physical aggression, at recent home matches. “Following a thorough risk assessment, and in response to tangible threats received by the Club and intelligence we have gathered, the Club’s Board members have been told they must not attend today’s fixture,” a Security & Safety Advisor said. “The board members received the instruction as a result of malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence received by the club, as well as an increase in anti-social behaviour – including targeted physical aggression – at recent home matches.” This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club – never before has our entire Board of Directors been ordered not to attend a match on safety grounds,” a Club spokesperson added. It’s a terrible day for Everton and Evertonians.”
