A banner threatening Rafael Benitez if he becomes Everton manager has been left near his house.
Images circulating on social media showed a sinister message warning ‘We know where you live. Don’t sign’ hung close to the 61-year-old’s Wirral home.
Benitez and his family have continued to reside on Merseyside ever since he embarked on a six-year tenure with the Blues’ local rivals Liverpool in 2004.
Merseyside Police confirmed on Monday that they are investigating the message left close to the Champions League-winning coach’s home.
Detective Inspector Darren Taylor said: “This message has understandably caused some distress and worry for residents in the area.
“Due to the football language used, we suspect that it was aimed at Rafa Benitez – but whoever placed the message left it outside the wrong house.
“If anyone has information about who produced the banner or helped to put it up, please let us know as soon as possible.”
Fan opposition to his expected appointment as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor has manifested in several banners and graffiti displayed outside Goodison Park.
Despite the displays of open revolt, majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri is unlikely to be swayed against naming the Spaniard as Ancelotti’s replacement.
Since leaving Liverpool in 2010, Benitez has taken charge of Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle and Dalian Professional in China.
But a continued affection for the Anfield outfit and previously deriding his new employers as a ‘small club’ has caused unrest among Everton supporters.
Former Everton boss Sam Allardyce still believes that any unrest being aimed at Benitez will dissipiate once he begins to deliver results on the pitch.
“The fans are on your side when you start winning, that is what it is all about,” he told Sky Sports News.
“I’m sure there are a lot of Everton fans who are unhappy with the situation because of the rivalry with Liverpool. Rafa’s track record is very good.
“You can talk about the style of football that you play, first it is winning and then winning and playing well is the ultimate goal.
“The style of football is talked about so much, it overshadows what is more important, winning matches and finishing up the league to match the expectation and money spent.”