Everton fans have come under some pretty intense scrutiny over the last few years, but largely, they come out the end of any controversy still revered.
After all, there is arguably no fanbase in the division as staunch as them, having stuck by their team despite steadily regressing down the Premier League.
Now seemingly cursed to battle relegation relentlessly, still every away section is filled to the brim, and every Goodison Park clash is met with raucous support.
That is, until things turn sour, and then their unbridled passion can swiftly turn nasty.
Anthony Gordon was one player who fell foul of this, as a small group chased him down the street back in January 2023 whilst he sought to drive home from a match.
Now, it seems the whole squad has been subject to such abuse.
Neal Maupay hits back at Everton fans
Naturally, fans have every right to be unhappy, given they pay their hard-earned money to watch these footballers play for their club.
For many, this is their lives, and thus a powerful reaction is to be expected.
However, to wait in a train station after just two games of the season just to abuse the players is unjustifiable, and Neal Maupay has sought to hit back.
In the video, which has already spread like wildfire across social media, further blackening the Toffees’ good name, a group of men are seen booing and pointing at stars like Jordan Pickford, Mason Holgate and the Frenchman as they walk past.
Giving a slight reaction, this only sends them further into raptures, with all manner of obscenities hurled his way.
Maupay has since replied on X: ‘Imagine another job where it’s normalised to get abuse like this. Hanging around at a train station to scream at men who are trying their best.’
New signings Jake O’Brien, Jesper Lindstrom and Iliman Ndiaye must wonder what they have walked into. This is not the first negative interaction with the supporters that the 26-year-old has had, with Maupay hitting out at Everton fans during his loan spell at Brentford.
Why would any player ever want to join Everton after seeing this?
Everton fans are well-respected across the country, but they have been prone to moments of madness like this.
However, few have arguably been as bad, and as reactionary, as this particular instance.
Bear in mind, we are just two games into the Premier League season, and yet already this is the reaction being garnered.
Sean Dyche is not exempt from criticism, but nobody deserves to have to sit and take such abuse.
It paints the club in a disgusting light, and surely wards players off from wanting to join.
After all, what agent or player would see that and think that Goodison Park is the right move for them?
The Toffees need to find a more amenable way to vent their frustration, or else force every good player to walk away from a potential move to Everton due to such embarrassing footage.
