AliousThe Metropolitan Police have opened an investigation after reports of an altercation at the Emirates Stadium appearing to involve Everton forward Thierno Barry’s friends.
The incident occurred towards the end of the Merseyside club’s 2-0 loss to Arsenal on Saturday.
“I bring my friends to enjoy a game, and it gets ruined by a few silly people,” he continued. “Football should be a place where everyone feels safe and respected. This type of attitude has no place in the game and is simply not tolerated in football.
“My friends and the people who were attacked had to be escorted by the Arsenal club’s security staff as well as the police because of fears of retaliation from our supporters.”
After the match, Barry, 23, posted a video on Instagram of multiple people engaged in a fight in the Emirates’ away end. He followed this with a statement calling the behaviour “unacceptable” and that his friends “were attacked”.
On Sunday, Barry posted another statement on his Instagram story, refuting speculation that he had provided tickets to Arsenal fans.
“Some of the information circulating does not reflect reality,” he wrote. “Contrary to what has been suggested, I never gave tickets to Arsenal supporters. The people who were present to support me have always followed the clubs I have played for throughout my career, from Beveren to Basel, through Villarreal and now Everton. Yesterday, some of them were even wearing an Everton shirt with my name on it.
The Met confirmed no serious injuries had been reported and there had been no arrests at the time.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “An investigation is under way following an altercation in the away section towards the end of Arsenal’s match against Everton on Saturday.
“During the match, they were approached twice by supporters who asked whether they were supporting the opposing team. They clearly stated that this was not the case and that they were there to support me.
“Furthermore, the people visible in some of the videos are not members of my family. They are relatives of another player from the team. Unfortunately, they were confronted by a group of supporters who mistakenly believed they were celebrating Arsenal’s goal. The stewards present witnessed the scene. My friends were insulted, how is that even possible?”
“Officers and stewards responded to the incident. No serious injuries were reported. Enquiries are ongoing and we are working with both clubs to identify those involved.
“There have been no arrests.”
Everton confirmed on Sunday that they were “aware of an incident involving supporters in the away section at Emirates Stadium and will review the circumstances surrounding it.”
“Violent or disorderly behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in football,” the club added. “It does not reflect the passionate and loyal support Everton receives both home and away.
“The club will work with the relevant authorities to establish the facts and take any appropriate action.”
Arsenal declined to comment when approached by The Athletic.
Barry came on as a substitute in the 70th minute for Beto but was not able to affect the scoreline.
Arsenal left it late but extended their lead at the top of the table with a Viktor Gyokeres goal in the 89th minute and a Max Dowman solo finish into an empty net in stoppage time. Dowman’s goal made him the youngest-ever Premier League scorer at the age of 16 years and 73 days.
Alious
