Everton supporters invaded the Goodison Park pitch as the Toffees completed a stirring turnaround to seal their Premier League survival.
Frank Lampard ’s men found themselves 2-0 down at the interval against Crystal Palace on Thursday evening - Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew earning Patrick Vieira’s men the advantage. However, the hosts were a different beast after the break.
Michael Keane found them a foothold shortly after the break before Richarlison was then on-hand to level things up. Dominic Calvert-Lewin then sealed a memorable comeback on Merseyside in the 85th minute as he edged the Toffees ever closer to survival.
The goal also triggered huge celebrations on the pitch as a number of supporters invaded the pitch and swarmed players with still over five minutes of the game to play.
They then followed that up with another invasion after full-time with victory representing enough for Everton to seal their place in the Premier League next campaign following a hugely disappointing season on Merseyside.
Supporters of course had to be cleared before the game could get back underway, whilst the invasion will leave some concerned following a number of disappointing incidents in recent weeks. Sheffield United Billy Sharp was assaulted after Nottingham Forest’s Championship playoff victory at the City Ground in midweek.
The Professional Footballers’ Association released a statement shortly after the incident expressing concern at a rise in recent incidents and also sending best wishes to Sharp. It read: "We are shocked and appalled by the senseless assault by a fan on Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp.
"The football pitch is a place of work for our members, this is one of a growing number of incidents this season…
"Matchday security and fan disorder needs to be reviewed ahead of next season, and we will be raising player safety with the clubs, leagues and the UK Football Policing Unit. There is no place in football for this behaviour.
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"We recognise that stewards and the police have a very difficult job, a suspect has been arrested, and Nottingham Forest have confirmed the offender will be banned for life. Finally, our thoughts are with Billy and we hope he recovers quickly."
Regarding Everton, they now head into the final match of the season guaranteed of their safety in the Premier League. They round-off their with a clash against Arsenal, who themselves still have plenty to play for as the season concludes.
The Gunners are aiming to beat north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the final Champions League spot but Frank Lampard’s Toffees will certainly be aiming to round their season off on a positive as they travel to the Emirates Stadium.
