Everton are launching an investigation alongside Kick It Out into reports of a chant from their reporters that reinforces racist stereotypes, according to a report in The Times.
The subject of the chant is Colombian centre back Yerry Mina, who joined the club in the summer from Barcelona.
Similar to a recent chant about Romelu Lukaku which was also condemned, the song references the player's manhood and also his habit for a certain class-A drug.
Everton fans with a new chant for Yerry Mina
Credit - @liamdano pic.twitter.com/G0ISLEn1ob— FC90 (@FanCulture90) December 15, 2018
Marco Silva has commented on the issue, imploring the supporters to heed his advice and refrain from singing the song in the future:
To be honest I didn’t see. Brian [Doogan - press officer] already told me about the situation.
Of course, we as a club, and myself, not just in football, in sport and in life as well, it is something we have to put out of our lives. Football is a party for everyone to enjoy, to be a part of this sport, and we as a club want every type of racism out.
Our fans love our players. They love Mina as well and they respect all of the nationalities we have in our side.
Everton issued a statement on the matter, writing that the club employs a 'zero tolerance' stance on racism:
Everton Football Club is aware of the video posted on social media by an unaffiliated supporters’ club. We are in contact with Kick it Out and are working with them to investigate the matter further.
Everton has a zero-tolerance stance towards any form of racism.
