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Everton Board Instructed Not to Attend Match vs. Southampton Due to 'Credible Threat'

English Premier League club Everton announced that their entire board of directors has been instructed to not attend Saturday's home match against Southampton due to safety concerns.

In a statement, Everton said Chairman Bill Kenwright, CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Finance & Strategy Officer Grant Ingles and Non-Executive Director Graeme Sharp would miss the match after it was determined there is a "real and credible threat to their safety and security."

Everton added the decision was made after the club received "malicious and unacceptably threatening correspondence" in addition to increased instances of "targeted physical aggression" at recent home matches.