Ian Wright rages over Denise Barrett-Baxendale incident at Everton on Match of the Day
Ian Wright has slammed Everton after Denise Barrett-Baxendale was allegedly put in a headlock after the Toffees’ 4-1 defeat to Brighton.
The Everton chief executive along with Bill Kenwright are understood to have been subjects of multiple incidents in recent weeks with discontent growing around the club (ITV, 14 January).
Wright has brandished the alleged incident as “abhorrent” and has urged Evertonians to protest in a peaceful manner.
“We know what Bill Kenwright has been through to help the club and for him to not be able to go there it must be a very sad day for Everton,” said Wright (Match of the Day, 29m 54s, 14 January).
“After what happened to Denise Barrett-Baxendale that’s abhorrent behaviour. I believe you have a right to protest, but it has to be done peacefully.”
Dark day
The board not being able to attend the defeat to due safety concerns, the alleged incident with Barrett-Baxendale, the defeat to Southampton, and the protest after the game mean Saturday (14 January) was one of the darkest days in the club’s history.
Something has to change quickly, whether that be the board, Frank Lampard, or a number of the players moving on. Right now, Premier League survival has to be the priority before a proper reset in the summer. At the moment, the prospect of avoiding relegation looks unlikely.
All the teams currently around Everton are far better-equipped and are playing considerably better than the Toffees. Sacking Lampard could well make a difference, but whether the short-term boost would be enough to drag the club to the edge of survival remains to be seen.
It seems unlikely, but let’s hope the defeat to Southampton is finally a turning point. The fans have certainly made their voices heard, it’s now time for the board to be proactive in their attempt to keep the club in the top flight.