Following the offenses against Van Dyke and Tiago, Everton players received threatening messages: "Those responsible will be prosecuted. No one is above the law"
Pickford hits Van Dyke, in a derby
Photography:
EPA
Police are investigating threats sent on social media to Everton players Jordan Pickford and Richardson, following the Liverpool derby last Saturday, apparently by fans who were frustrated by the two's offenses against their team players.
Threatening tweets were reportedly sent to Pickford after the goalkeeper hit Virgil Van Dyke and caused him a serious injury that would result in a prolonged absence from the pitches.
Brazilian Richardson, who was sent off with a red card after easing Tiago Alcantara, even received racist messages.
Police said the suspects are not above the law, and they will stand trial.
A Merseyside police spokesman said: "The language used in the tweets is completely unacceptable, and we take complaints seriously. Anyone who uses the internet to flag others and commits criminal offenses like hate crimes is not above the law."
The spokesman added: "The detectives are conducting inquiries in order to identify the people who posted the tweets and where we identify offenses we will take steps to bring those responsible to justice."
