Toffees downplay banana element to Diouf race row
EVERTON have hit back at allegations from Blackburn striker El-Hadji Diouf that he was pelted with bananas at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Merseyside police are investigating an alleged racist spat between the Senegal international and a teenage ball-boy during Everton’s win.
Diouf told police after the final whistle that bananas were thrown at him from the Everton crowd but the club has countered the claims.
“Our only concern is a child protection matter involving a 14-year-old boy,” said an Everton spokesman. “We have spoken to the police and have been told that is the only investigation they are concerned with and that they are not investigating the behaviour of any Everton supporter.”
Officers searched the area for bananas, but none are thought to have been found. Diouf, once of Everton’s city rivals Liverpool, strongly denied any racist remarks.
“I have had other problems, with spitting or fights – but not with racism,”he said. “I can understand that they don’t like me at Everton, but to say that I uttered racist words towards a child is nonsense.”