Everton and Liverpool have condemned vandalism prior to the Merseyside derby.
Racist and offensive graffiti was written across various buildings in the north Liverpool area before Saturday’s eventual 241st stalemate between the sides.
A number of murals near to Anfield were daubed with blue spray paint while buildings close to Goodison Park were targeted with slurs in red markings.
The city’s two clubs have vowed to support any police action which arises from the incidents in the direct build-up to their latest meeting.
“Both Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs jointly condemn the defacing of buildings and murals ahead of the Merseyside derby,” read a joint statement.
“Racist and offensive graffiti has been daubed across multiple sites in north Liverpool this morning around Anfield and Goodison.
“Both clubs will work together with Merseyside Police and will support the investigation in finding those responsible. Hate has no place in football.
“Together, Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs and their supporters will continue in representing our city in the fight against all forms of discrimination.”
Separately, Everton have pledged to issue lengthy stadium bans to fans who engaged in anti-social behaviour during the second half of the match itself.
A plastic bottle was thrown in the direction of Jurgen Klopp shortly after Conor Coady saw a potential match-winning goal disallowed by VAR.
Shortly after that incident, a man ran onto the pitch from the Gwladys Street End and tried to remonstrate with referee Anthony Taylor over the decision.