Everton forward Richarlison is facing an investigation from the Football Association for throwing a lit smoke grenade back into the Toffees’ fans during their win over Chelsea.
The Brazilian pounced on some poor defending by Cesar Azpilicueta, dispossessing the Spaniard before slotting the ball past Edouard Mendy to give Everton a crucial 1-0 win.
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It could be a crucial moment in their survival bid and the scenes were understandably very lively when Richarlison scored.
However, he was guilty of being too exuberant in his celebrations, lobbing the lit smoke canister into spectators sat in their famous Gwladys Street Stand after it was thrown onto the pitch.
There did not appear to be any malice in Richarlison’s decision to throw the flare and he wasn’t punished by referee Kevin Friend.
However, the 24-year-old may be subject to retrospective action. The PA news agency reports the FA will investigate the incident.
An Everton spokesperson said: “We will look into the matter but, as far we are concerned, Richarlison was attempting to throw it out of the ground.”
In February, Liverpool man Harvey Elliott was contacted by the FA after handling a red smoke canister following the side’s Carabao Cup victory at Wembley. Pyrotechnics are banned from football stadiums in England.
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Frank Lampard’s men were in desperate need of a win with relegation rivals Burnley going five points clear of them with a late victory at Watford.
Chelsea later came extremely close to equalising as Mason Mount’s effort on the volley struck both posts.
Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was beaten all ends up by that but did incredibly to get up and keep out Azpilicueta’s shot on the rebound.
Pickford also did well to tip Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s long-range strike over the bar and also denied Mateo Kovacic in stoppage-time.
Both sides were greeted to a memorable reception as numerous Everton fans, with some holding flares, gathering outside the ground.
Meanwhile, fireworks were let off in the early hours of the morning outside the hotel where the Chelsea team was staying.
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