Premier League side Everton will play against Southampton without the presence of the club's Board of Directors.
According to a statement issued by the club on Saturday, January 14, 2023, there were security threats toward the board members.
“Everton’s 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,” part of the statement read.
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The statement by Everton noted that the club's Chairman Bill Kenwright, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Finance and Strategy Officer Grant Ingles and Non-Executive Director Graeme Sharp reluctantly accepted the outcome of the safety assessment.
It was also highlighted that the board members were issued with the instruction following the threats.
A statement from the club spokesperson added that it was an unprecedented decision for Everton Football Club.
In the club's history, the entire Board of Directors was never ordered not to attend a match on safety grounds.
Recent reports suggested that various fan groups have planned to stage a protest against the board for during the Premier League match between Everton and Southampton.
Recently Everton owner Farhad Moshiri in an open letter to the fans emphasised his faith in manager Frank Lampard.
Everton is in the relegation zone positioned 18th having played six games without a win.
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