Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool have united to condemn “in the strongest possible terms” racist abuse directed at Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure on social media.

Curtis Jones saw red after reacting angrily to Abdoulaye Doucoure following Liverpool's dramatic Merseyside derby draw with Everton, with the midfielder now banned for the visit of Wolves

Liverpool and Everton have condemned the racist abuse received by home midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré in Wednesday's Merseyside derby after he was involved in a melee at full-time when the game ended in a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

Doucoure made a beeline for the away end after Michael Oliver blew up seconds later, sparking an angry reaction from Curtis Jones and a number of Liverpool players. Doucoure and Jones were subsequently sent off alongside Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.

Everton and Liverpool have issued a joint statement condemning ‘in the strongest possible terms’ the vile racist abuse Abdoulaye Doucoure has received following the sides’ bad-tempered 2-2 draw. The Everton star was involved in a fracas with Curtis Jones shortly after James Tarkowski volleyed home a stunning late equaliser in Wednesday’s last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.