The former mayor of Liverpool has been slammed after hitting out at Everton fans in the aftermath of club chairman Bill Kenwright's death.
Joe Anderson led the city between 2012 and 2021 and is a lifelong Toffees supporter. He tweeted out a tribute to Kenwright shortly after his death on Tuesday, but it was one that riled up supporters of the Premier League side.
Kenwright had been Everton chairman since 2004, but he had faced protests from angry fans amid the club's downturn in fortunes. He was advised against attending games at Goodison Park by police for his own safety last year.
And in the wake of the former West End producer's death, Anderson has hit out at Toffees fans. He insisted that the "poisonous cancer" of their protests hurt Kenwright the most as he battled the disease.
"Bill Kenwright died having fought brain and recently liver cancer with bravery and dignity," Anderson tweeted after Everton announced the death of their chairman on Tuesday evening.
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"But I know it was the poisonous cancer of so-called fans personally attacking him that hurt most and broke his heart. His dedication and loyalty to Everton was unquestionable and he deserved better RIP Bill."
That tweet was immediately met with a backlash from Everton fans though, with Anderson urged to delete his post. One fan replied: "This is as inappropriate as his detractors commenting negatively. Show the man some respect and delete this abhorrence."
Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson has been urged to delete his tweet on Kenwright's death (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)Another added: "This is an absolutely horrendous tweet." While a third said: "Absolutely disgusting this. Trying to through blame out when somebody has lost their life? You should be ashamed of yourself."
A fourth supporter replied: "Appalling, unnecessary, inflammatory rhetoric. Worse still, is the lack of respect to the deceased to tie it to a 'tribute.'"
A fifth concluded: "I've seen some insensitive tweets in my time, but this is one of the worst, what are you thinking? I’m genuinely shocked this is still up, let alone writing it in the first place, what a weird angle to take."
Anderson doubled down on his stance though, quote-tweeting his original post and writing: "The vitriol from the few is expected. Let me tell you, that I spoke to him as I did regularly and did so hours before his operation. I will say more, not now but later, to the angry brigade I send you my love and prayers. The stadium, his legacy has to honour him appropriately."
Everton have opened a book of condolence for fans to remember Kenwright's work for the club. The Toffees announced his death on Tuesday evening, confirming he was surrounded by loved ones when he passed.
"Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones," a statement read.
"The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him."
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