Title party can wait, say Everton
Everton want to delay Manchester United’s celebrations should Sir Alex Ferguson’s side clinch the Barclaycard Premiership title at Goodison next weekend.
Manager David Moyes has led Everton to the brink of UEFA Cup qualification during a season which has surpassed expectations, and Everton want their players to receive the congratulations of the Goodison fans before United’s title party.
Everton director of communications Ian Ross insists the club are not “killjoys” and believes any other sequence of events could compromise safety.
“The bottom line here is safety – there can be no compromise, no risks taken,” Ross told The People.
“Throughout the negotiations, the club and the Premier League have always shared common ground on that issue.”
The Premier League want United, if successful, to be presented with the Premiership trophy at the end of the match, which will be broadcast live by Sky.
However, Ross said: “The final decision will be taken by the club’s safety officer, Norman Whibley – a man of vast knowledge and experience with regard to such matters.
“We have already told the Premier League that we are more than happy for Manchester United to receive the trophy either on the pitch after our players have completed their traditional lap of honour or in the dressing room immediately after the final whistle; these offers have always been on the table.
“We are certainly not killjoys at Everton but we have absolutely no intention of cutting any corners where the safety of supporters and players is concerned.”
