Everton have released a statement confirming the club will investigate allegations of homophobic chanting during Saturday’s fixture with Chelsea.

A small section of home fans were reported to have directed the chant towards opposition supporters during the ​Premier League clash, which finished 3-1 to the Toffees.

And, in conjunction with anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out, the club have confirmed they will investigate the chants – and have urged fans with any information to come forward. 

“​Everton is working in conjunction with Kick It Out and has commenced an investigation into homophobic chanting reported during Saturday’s Premier League game against ​Chelsea,” said a ​club statement. 

“Both the Club and Kick It Out have received reports of a homophobic chant being aimed at Chelsea’s fans by a small section of the home crowd.

“Homophobia has no place within our stadium, our Club, our community or our game. The Club strongly condemns such behaviour and is carrying out a thorough investigation which will include liaison with Merseyside Police.

“Matchgoers who have information relating to any form of discrimination should email reportit@evertonfc.com.”

The game saw Everton, in their first match since sacking Marco Silva, bounce back from a crushing Merseyside derby defeat to climb out of the relegation zone with a surprise win over the Stamford Bridge giants. 

Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin had the Toffees two goals in front within five minutes of the second half, and Mateo Kovacic had threatened to make a game of it, before Calvert-Lewin – later described as a ‘colossus’ by interim boss Duncan Ferguson – struck late to make sure of the points. 

Behind the scenes, meanwhile, the search for a new permanent boss continues, with River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo the ​latest to emerge as a reported target. 

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