Everton have condemned threats made to James Tarkowski and his family.
Tarkowski’s wife Samantha revealed that they had been subjected to ‘beyond disgusting’ online abuse in the aftermath of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby.
The Blues’ defender was booked for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister but referee body PGMOL admitted it should have been upgraded to a red card.
Goodison Park chiefs confirmed on Friday they are liaising with Tarkowski and his family over the backlash aimed at them following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory.
“Everton Football Club is aware of threats made towards James Tarkowski and his family on social media,” read a club statement.
“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in football or society.
“The club is liaising with James and his wife Samantha, and stands ready to engage with the social media companies and assist the police with any potential investigation.
“Everton strongly condemns any form of online or offline intimidation, threats or abuse directed at players, staff or their families.”
David Moyes echoed Everton’s stance when the subject was broached in his press conference to preview this weekend’s visit of a title-chasing Arsenal
He said: “It’s not acceptable for anybody in any walk of life.
“We have to hold our hands up after looking at it again – it could have been a sending-off.
“But I don’t think that means you get abused online because of it.
“It’s part of football and he made what looked at the time a really good tackle but looking at it again, I think it was a bit reckless.”