1 Apr 2008Police probe Mersey fans

Liverpool and Everton football clubs are both set to hear from the police over allegations about the behaviour of their supporters.

It follows the Merseyside derby, which took place on Sunday March 30th, which was marred by abusive chanting from fans.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard came in for plenty of abuse, with manager Rafael Benitez describing those who dished it out as having "a lack of respect".

Everton's players did not get off lightly either, with Joleon Lescott apparently enduring verbal assaults.

It has also been suggested that Everton captain Phil Neville was punched in the back and spat at by an opposing fan during the match.

"Police will be speaking to the clubs involved today [April 1st]," a spokesperson for Merseyside Police told the BBC.

Ian Ross, spokesman for Everton, told the corporation that the club does not want to encounter another situation similar to that involving Neville.

"We felt it necessary to try to involve the safety officers and police because we cannot have a situation where supporters are having physical contact with professional footballers during the game," he said.

"We want to make sure that doesn't happen again at the Merseyside derby or any other game," continued Mr Ross.

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