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Everton launch investigation into claims object was thrown at Ross Barkley on Goodison Park return

Everton have launched an ­investigation after an object was ­allegedly thrown towards Ross ­Barkley during their 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.

Barkley was making his first ­appearance at Goodison Park since his acrimonious departure in January 2018. The incident reportedly occurred at a Chelsea corner in front of the Gwladys Street End early in the first half.

“We are investigating the alleged incident and reviewing footage. If anyone is found responsible for this or other such incidents, the club will take robust action,” said an Everton statement.

The alleged incident came two days after the Football Association, Premier League and Football League issued a joint statement, urging “all supporters to carefully consider their behaviour” at the weekend’s games and “all games in the future”.

That statement followed high-profile incidences of crowd trouble the previous weekend when Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish was punched by a spectator who ran on to the pitch during their match at Birmingham City and Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was shoved by a pitch invader during his side’s match with Arsenal.

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Meanwhile, Everton manager Marco Silva has been fined £12,000 after accepting an improper conduct charge for his behaviour after the defeat against Newcastle United this month.

The Portuguese was furious the hosts’ winning goal in their 3-2 victory at St James’ Park was allowed to stand as Salomon Rondon, who touched the ball on to goalscorer Ayoze Perez, was among a number of players offside in the build-up.

Silva confronted referee Lee ­Mason on the pitch and then turned his anger towards the assistant who had not raised his flag.

“When they scored the third goal it was a big mistake by the assistant – it was a clear offside. It’s not just one or two players in offside positions, there were five Newcastle players in the same line in offside positions,” Silva said.

His venture on to the pitch ­resulted in a FA charge and led to the fine by an independent regulatory commission.

“The Everton manager accepted an improper conduct charge from the FA, which resulted from his behaviour on the field of play at the end of the Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on March 9,” a statement from the FA read.