Everton directors to skip game because of 'credible threat'

Everton's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, center, reacts after Brighton's Pascal Gross scored his sides fourth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion at Goodison Park Stadium in Liverpool, England, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Jon Super) Everton board ordered not to attend Southampton clash over "credible threat to safety"

Everton's board of directors were instructed not to attend Saturday's home match against Southampton because of a "real and credible threat to their safety and security," the Premier League team said.

The decision was made ahead of reports of a possible protest at Goodison Park in the wake of Everton's poor form this season.