Everton Football Club has banned a fan after they sexually harassed a woman at the stadium.
The club and Merseyside Police are investigating an incident that happened during the opening home fixture against Chelsea on August, after the woman reported it on social media. The club has since banned the fan from Goodison Park and Merseyside Police are conducting their own enquiries.
The woman who reported being targeted said: "Knowing that this individual will not be returning to Goodison Park is a huge weight lifted. I cannot thank everyone at the club enough for their incredible response."
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The woman, who has not been named, added: "[This] should encourage others who experienced sexual assault at the ground to come forward."
A statement from Everton said: "EFC has a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and discrimination at Goodison Park. While the overwhelming majority of supporters behaved impeccably at our opening home fixture against Chelsea, there were a small number of incidents that were deemed unacceptable.
"These isolated incidents were dealt with by the Club’s Stewarding and Safety Team and, where required, Merseyside Police. Following Club investigations in to separate incidents of harassment and discrimination, one supporter has received a lengthy stadium ban while another has been banned from Goodison Park until Merseyside Police have concluded their own inquires.
"Everyone attending, working or taking part in a football match has the right to feel safe, valued and included and the Club encourages all supporters to continue to play their part. If you witness any form of harassment or discriminatory behaviour at a match or around Goodison Park, please report it.
"This can be done by speaking to a Club steward, a police officer or Everton’s dedicated confidential reporting lines. Supporters can report any incidents to the Stadium Safety Team immediately by texting HELP and details of what has been witnessed and where to 84300, or by email to reportit@evertonfc.com."
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