Everton supporters have criticised their own fans who surrounded players' cars as they attempted to leave Goodison Park following their defeat to Southampton. The Toffees are embroiled in a relegation battle and have turned on owner Farhad Moshiri after another disappointing campaign.
Former Sunderland loanee Ellis Simms was reportedly among the players who were surrounded by fans who called for answers, despite only playing eight minutes of today's game. The 21-year-old was recalled by Frank Lampard at the beginning of the window, as Everton looked to bolster their options in the final third.
However, Simms has been limited to 15 minutes of Premier League action. Sunderland supporters have called for the striker to return to the Stadium of Light to escape the fractious environment at Goodison Park - something the Black Cats are hoping will come to fruition at the end of the window.
READ MORE: Sunderland hold transfer summit amidst 'developing' situation, says Tony Mowbray
Prior to kick-off, Everton released a statement claiming the 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 "reluctantly accepted the outcome of the safety assessment carried out by security advisors".
Blues fans have condemned those who asked Simms to tell what was going on at the club.
Here's what Everton fans had to say on social media after the video surfaced online:
@UpTheToffees said: "Got to feel bad for Ellis Simms. Couple of weeks ago he's enjoying a stress free life at Sunderland then in the blink of an eye he's been forced to return to the circus. Thrown on the pitch to try and rescue something a couple of times and now getting surrounded by angry fans"
@EFCNovaScotia said: "I don't think anyone blames Ellis Simms. Senior pros on millions a year who barely put a shift in and can't do the basics of football should be accountable though. Though I don't even think they are the biggest issue at the club either. But there's no accountability for anyone."
@HJWatkinson tweeted: "I’m as angry as anyone else, but blocking the road and preventing Anthony Gordon and Ellis Simms from leaving the ground is just embarrassing. Undermines efforts of thousands of Evertonians who protested peacefully and will turn the media narrative against us. Idiots."
@gaizka6 said: "If I know one thing for certain, rapping on Ellis Simms car demanding answers is a first step to sorting out this fine mess."
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