Police investigate online abuse reportedly aimed at Pickford, Richarlison

Merseyside Police are investigating offensive tweets reportedly directed at Everton teammates Jordan Pickford and Richarlison in the wake of Saturday's controversial derby draw with Liverpool.

"We are currently investigating a number of offensive tweets made in relation to two Everton footballers," a police spokesperson said, according to BBC Radio Merseyside.

"The language used in the tweets is totally unacceptable, and we are taking reports extremely seriously. Those who use the internet to target others, and who commit criminal offenses such as making threats or committing a hate crime in doing so, are not beyond the law."

Neither Pickford nor Richarlison is named specifically, but according to the BBC, the Toffees pair received online abuse following the heated affair. The goalkeeper may have ended Virgil van Dijk's season with a rash challenge, while the forward was sent off late after catching Liverpool newcomer Thiago with a wild challenge.

"Detectives are making enquiries to identify the individuals who posted the tweets, and where we identify offenses, we will take action to bring those responsible to justice," the spokesperson added.

Pickford looks set to escape punishment for the scything tackle on Van Dijk. The Football Association claim the incident was observed by match official Michael Oliver and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), thus making it ineligible for retrospective action.