Police taking reports ‘ extremely seriously’

into following the stormy derby at Goodison on Saturday that ended 2- 2.

Pickford’s scissor tackle left Van Dijk, above, facing a fight to play again this season, while striker Richarlison was sent off following a nasty challenge on midfielder Thiago in stoppage time.

Merseyside Police are looking into the full nature of the posts before they decide whether to act.

Social media has been awash with “death” tweets mentioning Pickford.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently investigating a number of offensive tweets made in relation to two Everton footballers.

“The language used in the tweets is totally unacceptable and we are taking the reports extremely seriously. Those who use the internet to target others, and who commit criminal offences such as making threats or committing a hate crime in doing so, are not beyond the law.”

Champions Liverpool are continuing to demand answers from the Premier League over the Van Dijk incident early in the game.

The Reds have been given two explanations over the VAR assessment of the challenge. It is understood they were told during the match by a senior Premier League official the VAR did not look at the incident for a possible Pickford red card.

But it is believed that since then they have been informed the VAR – David Coote – did review it.

That came in an email from Mike Riley, managing director of the PGMO.

Liverpool are now demanding clarity from the Premier League.