Everton ban the Sun after Ross Barkley article

[jayden™]

Everton have banned the Sun "from all areas of its operation" after the newspaper published "appalling and indefensible" allegations about Ross Barkley and the people of Liverpool. The article, written by columnist Kelvin MacKenzie, appeared on Friday. MacKenzie was suspended after comparing the midfielder, whose grandfather was born in Nigeria, to a "gorilla". He also wrote that men with similar "pay packets" to Barkley in Liverpool were "drug dealers". Everton said in a statement: "The newspaper has to know that any attack on this City, either against a much respected community or individual, is not acceptable." Merseyside Police are investigating whether MacKenzie's comments constitute a "racial hate crime". The Sun apologised "for the offence caused" and added that it was "unaware of Barkley's heritage". In a statement of his own, MacKenzie reiterated the latter sentiment, adding that it was "beyond parody" to describe the column as "racist". In February, Liverpool banned Sun journalists from its grounds over the newspaper's coverage of the Hillsborough disaster. This Saturday, 15 April, marks the 28th anniversary of the disaster. Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman told the BBC's Football Focus: "[The ban] is justified. Liverpool in general has had a long-term problem with the Sun, and this column just antagonises the situation further." 'The people's club have listened to the people' Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson had led calls for Everton to ban the newspaper and he spoke with Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright on Saturday. "Today of all days it's good news, " Anderson told BBC Sport. "We at Everton have always been proud of the fact that we have supported Liverpool FC and their fans through this. "Everton prides itself on being called the people's club, they have listened to the people and I am delighted with how they have reacted. All credit to Bill Kenwright, he spoke to me this morning and understood that people had strong feelings on it." Anderson had called for fans to protest at today's Premier League game at Goodison Park against Burnley. But he now says that is not necessary, adding: "Everton have responded in a positive way. We will today remember and pray for those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster." Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore tweeted: "As we always knew. The People's Club. Nil Satis, Nisi Optimum. Thank you Everton, thank you." Anti Sun campaign posters outside Goodison Park this afternoon, Campaign posters outside Goodison Park on Saturday What did the article say? In the article, which has since been taken off the newspaper's website, former editor MacKenzie said: Barkley is "one of our dimmest footballers", also calling him "thick". His eyes make him "certain not only are the lights not on, there is definitely nobody at home", adding: "I get a similar feeling when seeing a gorilla at the zoo." Men with similar "pay packets" in Liverpool are "drug dealers" and in prison. Alongside the article, The Sun published adjoining pictures of Barkley and a gorilla on their website with the caption "Could Everton's Ross Barkley represent the missing link between man and beast?" The picture was later removed. Barkley, 23, was punched in a Liverpool bar last weekend in what his lawyer described as an "unprovoked attack". Police confirmed they were investigating the "full circumstances". BBC Sport has contacted the Sun and Barkley's representatives for comment.