Ahead of the Merseyside derby, several Liverpool murals were defaced with offensive and racist graffiti, which has now been removed as work continues to restore the tributes.
In the run-up to Saturday’s match, news of several defaced murals spread on social media with both Liverpool and Everton releasing a joint statement on the matter.
The two clubs have said they will work together with Merseyside Police to find those responsible for the abominable graffiti.
The Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold murals on Sybil Road were horribly defaced, as were Mo Salah’s and the tribute to Ian St John and Roger Hunt, pieces of art that have meaning beyond the image itself.
On Sunday, artist MurWalls removed all graffiti from the murals and restored Henderson’s tribute, having been the original artist responsible, an act that has been much appreciated.
Hendo is fully restored, while some of the others will be fully repaired once the artists are able to do so.
Amazing of @MurWalls to work so quickly to remove hate comments on them. @JohnCulshaw8 @TheRedmenTV @TheAnfieldWrap #LFC #YNWA pic.twitter.com/7Qgq287e23
— Courtney Neary (@Courtney_Neary) September 4, 2022
Liverpool fan Courtney Neary provided the updates on Twitter, explaining that the rest of the murals will be fully restored when the responsible artists are able to do so.
There were fears that the tribute to St John and Hunt was irreparable, but the work to remove the graffiti was carried out without delay, it will mean the world to many.
Liverpool and Everton’s joint statement on the matter, released after the derby, read:
“Both Everton and Liverpool Football Club jointly condemn the destruction of buildings and murals ahead of the Merseyside derby.
Racist and offensive graffiti was painted on multiple sites in North Liverpool this morning around Anfield and Goodison.
“Both clubs will work in conjunction with Merseyside Police and support the investigation to find those responsible. Hate has no place in football.
“Together, Everton and Liverpool football clubs and their supporters will continue to represent our city in the fight against all forms of discrimination.”
The work to remove the graffiti was shown with great affection by the fans:
Very pleased to see that the damage was repairable. Especially for the one in St. John/Hunt, I know it means a lot to Tom, the owner of the house. He built the wall especially to be able to pay homage to the idols of him. Thanks @MurWalls?? https://t.co/8PViptYAAe
— Paul Machin (@ThePaulMachin) September 4,
Many thanks to @MurWalls for reaching out this morning and offering to travel to get this done so quickly. All the murals will need more work to restore them to their former glory, but at least the nonsense has been cleaned up https://t.co/yJKY9NvVHo
— John Gibbons (@johngibbonsblog) September 4, 2022
Good to see the murals around Anfield being cleaned up after some senseless and horribly offensive graffiti by some idiots https://t.co/J0T5F6eAME
— Paul Higham (@SportsPaulH) September 4, 2022
Fantastic job from everyone involved, well done? https://t.co/TywYX6P6Sd
— Ray Bowen (@mack1267) September 4, 2022
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