Everton have strongly condemned the ‘threatening, racist and misogynistic’ abuse sent to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s wife.
Sandra Calvert-Lewin praised her husband on social media after the Toffees played their final ever match at Goodison Park last weekend.
The striker was a substitute in their 2-0 win against Southampton and leaves the stadium as one of its most successful scorers.
“30 goals at Goodison,” Sandra said on Instagram. “Top 3 ever. They might not shout about it – but we’re proud every single day.”
However, some Everton supporters responded with messages of abuse, with the club now releasing a statement on the matter.
“Everton Football Club strongly condemns the threatening, racist and misogynistic abuse directed towards the wife of Dominic Calvert-Lewin on social media,” it read.
“This sinister and intimidating behaviour is not only deeply hurtful and distressing, it is also criminal – and does not represent the values of Everton or the overwhelming majority of our supporters.
“The club has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of discriminatory and abusive behaviour.
“We are working closely with Merseyside Police and the Premier League to ensure the individuals responsible are identified and held accountable for their actions.
“Threats or abuse of any kind – whether online or in person – are completely unacceptable and have no place in our game or in society.
“The club urges anyone who sees or experiences such behaviour to report it to the authorities and relevant social media platforms immediately.
“We will continue to offer our full support to Dominic and his family.”
Merseyside Police have confirmed that they are aware of the comments and working with Everton to find the culprits.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We are aware of racist and threatening social media comments directed towards the wife of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
“To send such abhorrent messages to anyone online is utterly appalling and we are working with Everton Football Club as part of our initial enquiries.
“We take these reports extremely seriously and would like to remind social media users that any belief that they can maintain anonymity online to commit offences is misplaced.
“Offences committed online, which includes making threats and racist abuse, can be investigated.”
Calvert-Lewin has been at Everton since 2016 when he signed from boyhood club Sheffield United.
The 28-year-old has scored 71 goals and assisted 22 others across 272 appearances in all competitions.
He was named as their Player of the Season for the 2020/21 campaign in which he scored 16 Premier League goals.
