The under-fire Everton hierarchy were instructed not to attend Saturday's Premier League fixture against Southampton over fears for the safety of club chiefs.
The drastic decision comes at a time of significant backlash towards the board of directors after a dismal start to the season under Frank Lampard. The Toffees have been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and went into the weekend languishing in the relegation zone with just three wins in 18 Premier League games.
A statement released on the club's website earlier on Saturday read: "Everton's Board of Directors have been instructed not to attend today's Premier League fixture against Southampton because of a 'real and credible threat to their safety and security'.
"Chairman Bill Kenwright, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Finance & Strategy Officer Grant Ingles and Non-Executive Director Graeme Sharp have reluctantly accepted the outcome of the safety assessment carried out by security advisors.
"The Board members received the instruction following malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence received by the Club and increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour – including targeted physical aggression - at recent home matches."
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A Security & Safety Advisor said: "Following a thorough risk assessment, and in response to tangible threats received by the Club and intelligence we have gathered, the Club’s Board members have been told they must not attend today's fixture."
An Everton spokesperson added: "This is an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club – never before has our entire Board of Directors been ordered not to attend a match on safety grounds. It is a profoundly sad day for Everton and Evertonians."
Despite Everton's dire form this season, club owner Farhad Moshiri threw his weight behind Lampard in an open letter to fans. Speaking on talkSPORT, he also admitted fan backlash had contributed to the sacking of previous Toffees bosses.
"Some of the decisions we have taken are together with the fans," Moshiri said. "Older (former) managers who have left have been driven by the fans, not by me initially."
The Goodison Park supremo added: "You have to stay with the manager to get the systems going, the players he buys. I have a lot of faith in Frank to get it right."
Everton flirted with relegation last season, when they finished just four points above the drop zone. Their opponents on Saturday, Southampton, sit rock bottom of the table, so the fixture is viewed as a must-win for Lampard and his men.
Lose against the Saints and the atmosphere at Goodison Park could turn even more toxic, ahead of fixtures against fellow-strugglers West Ham and league-leaders Arsenal.
