Merseyside Police are investigating Twitter threats aimed at Everton players.
Blues pair Jordan Pickford and Richarlison received a series of abusive messages on social media following last Saturday’s 237th Merseyside derby.
Pickford was involved in a collision with Virgil van Dijk which resulted in the Liverpool defender suffering a serious knee injury which will require surgery.
The goalkeeper escaped potential reprimand for the challenge due to VAR deeming the Premier League champions to be offside in the build-up to it.
It was confirmed on Monday that Pickford will not face any retrospective disciplinary action following the Football Association’s probe into the incident.
But a number of sinister comments were made towards the England international, including several direct ones to his personal Twitter account.
Richarlison also found himself subjected to volatile posts on the social network for a foul on Thiago Alcantara for which the Brazilian was sent off.
“We are currently investigating a number of offensive tweets made in relation to two Everton footballers,” said a Merseyside Police spokesperson.
“The language used in the tweets is totally unacceptable and we are taking the reports extremely seriously.
“Those who use the internet to target others, and who commit criminal offences such as making threats or committing a hate crime in doing so, are not beyond the law.
“Detectives are making enquiries to identify the individuals who posted the tweets and where we identify offences we will take action to bring those responsible to justice.”
Everton held on for a 2-2 draw in the Goodison Park encounter after VAR overturned a late Liverpool winner on the grounds of another offside breach.