Richarlison faces probe over smoke bomb throw during goal celebration
Richarlison faces a Football Association investigation for throwing a lit smoke grenade after scoring Everton’s winner against Chelsea, the PA news agency understands.
The Brazilian struck a minute into the second half at Goodison Park and Everton held on for a 1-0 victory that moves them within two points of Premier League safety.
In the celebrations that followed Richarlison's goal, a lit blue smoke canister was thrown on to the pitch by supporters.
Richarlison responded by picking the object up and throwing it, although it was unclear where it landed.
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.”
It is understood the FA will investigate the incident.
Everton remain in the relegation zone with five games left to play. But the victory moves them within two points of Burnley and Leeds, with the Toffees having a game in hand on their two rivals.
Arsenal tightened their grip on fourth place in the Premier League after goals from centre-backs Rob Holding and Gabriel delivered a 2-1 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium.
The Gunners struck from corners in each half to secure a crucial three points in their race for Champions League qualification and for the time being hold off closest rivals Tottenham, who overcame Leicester 3-1 earlier in the day.
Bukayo Saka was an influential figure throughout and
Arsenal would have won more comfortably had Eddie Nketiah not been so wasteful, but West Ham were magnificent given their Europa League semi-final commitments and shortage of defenders.
Star forward Michail Antonio only appeared as a second-half substitute after Thursda y night’s 2-1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt and Declan Rice started even though the away leg is only four days away.
West Ham's biggest problems were in defence, however, where injury and suspension left Kurt Zouma as the only fit centre-back and at times even he appeared to still be hampered by his recent ankle injury.
But they emptied the tanks and took the game to their London rivals for long spells, looking the stronger side and equalising through Jarrod Bowen before eventually falling to a defeat that mathematicaly ends their own designs on fourth place.
In London, Son Heungmin's stunning goal helped Tottenham get their Champions League hopes back on track with a 3-1 win over Leicester.
The South Korean curled a 20-yard effort into the top corner to seal a brace that sees him register his highest tally in a Premier League season, moving to 19 goals.
Harry Kane got the ball rolling with his customary goal against the Foxes, heading in a first-half corner for his 19th goal in 18 games against his former loan club.
It was clear where Leicester's attention lies, as they made eight changes to the side which drew 1-1 with Roma in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, and they only had a stoppage-time goal from Kelechi Iheanacho to show for their efforts.