Police called in after Liverpool v Everton derby

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Everton have asked Merseyside police to investgate claims that Phil Neville was punched during Sunday's derby game at Anfield.

According to reports in the Sun Neville was punched in the back as he took a throw-in, and was also the target of spitting and verbal abuse during the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.

A Police spokesman said: "We will examine the CCTV footage available."

While a Liverpool spokesman promised the club would take action if the allegations were proved accurate, manager Rafael Benitez retaliated with accusations of his own about chanting following the game.

He said: "I do not like to hear some of the things I heard.

"It showed a lack of respect for some players. So I am really pleased [with the win], especially for some players."

Benitez was referring to chants from the away supporters aimed at Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and allegations around his private life.

Everton also highlighted the abuse suffered by defender Joleon Lescott.

A club spokesman said: "Whilst we would never condone the singling out of individual players for vitriolic insults, it is a shame that Mr Benitez chose to ignore the actions of his own club's supporters.

"Not only was Joleon Lescott subjected to an afternoon-long barrage of quite disgusting and quite audible abuse, Phil Neville was seemingly spat at several times and was also punched in the back by a supporter as he took a throw-in.

"In calling for Everton supporters to respect his players, Mr Benitez should, perhaps, remember his comments of 12 months ago when he sought to belittle one of world sport's oldest and most respected institutions by describing us as a 'small club'.

Source: Telegraph newspaper online