It was a proud moment for Everton club legend Graeme Sharp when he was invited to join the Goodison Park board of directors.
But the former Scotland international could never have imagined that 12 months later he would be prevented from watching his beloved Toffees at their home ground. Along with the rest of the board and a number of decision-makers, including chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale and chief finance and strategy officer Grant Ingles, he was advised to give last Saturday’s game with Southampton a miss.
Police were worried that an increasingly toxic environment surrounding the relegation-threatened club could escalate, leaving the directors’ box vulnerable to physical abuse. Chairman Bill Kenwright had also received personal death threats.
“It was a sad day for the club,” Sharp admitted, still struggling to come to terms with effectively being banned from watching a side in which he is second only to Dixie Dean as Everton's all-time leading scorer.
“It’s still uncertain whether we will get the go-ahead to attend the next home game against Arsenal on February 4. No one could ever have envisaged things getting to this state where you are actually in physical danger.
“I don’t want to miss games, Everton is in my blood. Of course, fans can have their say and I can understand the frustrations, but some of the protests have gone over the top.
“For instance, no one works harder than Denise. In addition to the day-to-day running of the club, she is also working tirelessly on the new stadium. For her to be targeted is so unfair.”
Monaco-based owner Farhad Moshiri has not attended a game on Merseyside for some time and is believed to be open to selling the club.
He is also contemplating whether to make his seventh change of manager since becoming major shareholder, with Frank Lampard under pressure. Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, Marco Silva and Rafa Benitez were all sacked, while Carlo Ancelotti answered Real Madrid's call.
Critics point to poor recruitment and lucrative contracts for players who have not deserved the big bucks. Money for transfers has also dwindled, meaning Everton are largely restricted to using the loan market in the January transfer window.
The perfect storm has left Everton fearing for their Premier League status, having operated in the top flight since 1954. Looking at the number of banners at Goodison against Southampton, it appears only a mass clear-out at the top would appease many disgruntled supporters.
“The club is in turmoil,” Sharp added. “It needs unity with everyone working hard for the cause, supporters included. Surely no one wants to see scenes again where players have their cars kicked.
“It’s really disappointing when I’m advised not to attend a home game because of safety issues. We will now have to see what transpires in the next week or so before Arsenal arrive at Goodison.”
*This article has been amended since first published.
