‘It was a lot’ - Abdoulaye Doucoure speaks out on racist abuse received after Liverpool celebrations as Everton midfielder reveals he received death threats after Merseyside derby

Doucoure was involved in a brawl at the end of the clash with Liverpool after the Reds took exception to the Everton star celebrating James Tarkowski's late equaliser in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. The midfielder was subsequently subjected to racist abuse on social media which was swiftly condemned by both Liverpool and Everton.

Doucoure is sadly not the only player to have suffered racial abuse this season. Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, Fulham's Calvin Bassey and Manchester City star women's star Khadija Shaw are among a host of other players to have been targeted. Doucoure has now spoken out on the issue, as part of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism education resources, and wants to stand up and set an example to the next generation.

Doucoure said: "Players have to deal with comments on social media but after the Liverpool game [at Goodison Park] it was a lot. I understand the frustration about the celebration I had in front of the Liverpool fans and I accept that they can criticise and say that wasn’t appropriate, but I’m surprised people use discrimination to hurt you. I received death threats as well as my family, which is going too far.
“You need to be strong to not respond to those people and I want to set an example for the next generation. I was supported a lot by my family and the club. The Premier League was behind me as well. We know this happens every weekend for a lot of players and I want to be an example on how to stand against this and send a strong message to people. They got in touch with the police and also the emotional support of checking on me and my family. To see they were behind me was very important. It’s important to talk to people when you face discrimination.
“Education is key. Young people access social media so easily and some of the negative comments I received was even from young people. The children have a huge responsibility to change the future, which is why education is important. Footballers are role models and idols for young people so when they speak on these topics, the message is stronger. Players should recognise the responsibility they have to positively influence the young generation.
“I never used to speak on racism. I just tried to cope and ignore it but sometimes you need to speak on these topics and spread the message. It’s hard because people can hide behind fake accounts. There should be stricter rules. The Premier League have very good investigators and does a very good job behind the scenes. I was very impressed with their support.
“Be responsible for what you say. They try to hurt players like me because they think we play football, we have money so it’s ok but we are human beings first. We have families too, so I hope discrimination is no longer used against people.”

Doucoure and Everton are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they take on high-flying Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.