Everton investigating reports of homophobic chanting during Chelsea win

Chelsea were the subject of alleged homophobic chanting at Goodison Park during their 3-1 defeat to Everton on Saturday

Posted Monday, December 09, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

Homophobic chants were reportedly heard at Goodison Park on Saturday

Everton are investigating allegations of homophobic chanting during their 3-1 win against Chelsea on Saturday.

Kick It Out and the Merseyside club are working with police after receiving reports of a chant being aimed at Blues fans by a small section of the home crowd.

It comes a week after an incident of homophobic chanting was reported to police during West Ham's win over Chelsea.

Richarlison headed Everton in front after only four minutes of Duncan Ferguson's first game as interim manager since Marco Silva was sacked on Thursday.

When Dominic Calvert-Lewin made it 2-0 just after half-time, the 47-year-old set off running before spontaneously celebrating with a ball boy.

Chelsea pulled a goal back through Mateo Kovacic just three minutes later, but Calvert-Lewin sealed the game after Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga presented Theo Walcott with the ball.

"What a feeling," said Ferguson after the win. "I think the ball boy had tears in his eyes. I had tears in my eye. I would have hugged the linesman had he been there. I would have hugged everybody.

"The celebrations were just relief, excitement, emotion. It was an incredible feeling. I've scored goals for the club, been involved in cup finals, but that was just incredible - not just the goal but the three points. It is difficult to describe that."

"Whatever happens, nobody can ever take that away from me or the players," he continued.

"The players were unbelievable. It is not about me. It is about the players and the result and we got it."

Asked whether this could yet be an even-longer-term period in charge, he said: "I don't know if I could go through that again. I need to get my fitness up with all that running down the touchline.

"I think the fans want the manager to be passionate, show that body language, get them onside. We are a family club - the Everton family - and we all want the best."