Everton directors told stay away from Goodison over 'real and credible threat'

Everton’s board of directors have been told not to attend Goodison Park for Saturday's game against Southampton because of a “real and credible threat to their safety and security.”

Fan groups have planned to stage a protest against the board for the Premier League match with Everton in the relegation zone after six games without a win.

An Everton statement read: "Chairman Bill Kenwright, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief finance and strategy officer Grant Ingles and non-executive director Graeme Sharp have reluctantly accepted the outcome of the safety assessment carried out by security advisors.

"The board members received the instruction following malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence received by the club and increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour - including targeted physical aggression - at recent home matches."

A security and safety advisor said: "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 club spokesperson added: "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. It is a profoundly sad day for Everton and Evertonians