The father of Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has slammed "bitter" Everton fans for abusing his son after he picked up another injury on Sunday.
Calvert-Lewin suffered a nasty facial injury after a collision with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, during a 4-0 defeat for the Toffees at Villa Park.
It was the latest in a series of injuries for a player who Everton have relied on as their main source of goals over recent seasons, and with frustrations currently high at the underperforming club, Calvert-Lewin has been the target of some abuse.
Father defends Dominic Calvert-Lewin
In a post on Facebook, the 26-year-old's father Karlda has issued a passionate defence, in which he outlines the extent to which the abuse of his son affects him.
"The life of a Premier League footballer Dad," he wrote. "The last time I went to Villa Park, he was a 16-year-old sub for Sheffield United. Today I was there to see him start his first game in 2 years that he's been fully fit.
"I was nervous beyond belief but I knew how hard he'd worked to recover so had faith he'd be ok. To see my son hurt like that brought me to tears again. It always will no matter what age he is. He's now in hospital getting sorted.
"I hear the names he got called by his own 'fans' first-hand and what I will say is this: my son lives the dream daily like you wouldn't believe and that won't change, regardless of what some numpty in Stone Island gear shouts. Stay bitter fellas. Stay bitter. So it's another little setback in a long list of setbacks but he'll be alright. He always is."
Everton need Calvert-Lewin
There has been little to celebrate at Goodison Park in recent times but Calvert-Lewin has been one of the few players to provide some happy memories, not least by scoring the goal against Crystal Palace that ensured survival at the end of the 2021/22 season.
With another season of struggle looking likely, Everton are going to need their striker firing on all cylinders when he is fit, and being on the receiving end of abuse from his own fans isn't going to help in that department.
