Liverpool and Everton have issued a joint statement condemning racist abuse suffered by Abdoulaye Doucoure "in the strongest possible terms" after Wednesday night's 2-2 draw in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Mohamed Salah's 22nd league goal of the season looked like it was set to hand the Reds a huge three points after Alexis Mac Allister had cancelled out Beto's opener, before James Tarkowski's stoppage-time volley ensured the last meeting between the pair at Goodison ended in a draw.

Doucoure clashed with Curtis Jones at full time in front of the away supporters, with both players subsequently receiving second bookings from official Michael Oliver.

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Both clubs have since been made aware of abuse of Doucoure and have vowed to crack down on such incidents, saying: "Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities."

A statement, issued on behalf of both clubs on Thursday, read: "Liverpool FC and Everton FC are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night's Merseyside derby.

"Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated.

"Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police, who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.

"We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears.

"We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers.

"Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities."

Speaking on behalf of Merseyside Police, Chief Superintendent Claire Doyle, who was in charge of the policing operation for the match said: “We are investigating this and take these reports of hate crime extremely seriously.

"If you have any information in relation please let us know because it could help our ongoing enquiries.

“We have successfully prosecuted so-called fans for racist abuse and they have been handed football banning orders along with a criminal record for their behaviour.

“Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime in any form and is working to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing it.”

Doucoure himself tweeted out the statement on social media on Thursday afternoon, saying: "@Everton @LFC No to Racism".

The Premier League confirmed in a statement on Thursday morning that both Jones and Doucoure would be suspended for this weekend's respective fixtures. The Blues midfielder will miss the trip to Crystal Palace while England international Jones will be unavailable when Wolves visit Anfield.

A Premier League statement read: "Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones were both sent off for two bookable offences in Everton's 2-2 draw with Liverpool. The pair will each serve one-match bans.

"Doucoure will sit out Everton's upcoming Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace, while Jones is suspended for the first of Liverpool's Matchweek 25 games, versus Wolverhampton Wanderers."

In a statement that had earlier been released on Thursday morning, Chief Superintendent Doyle praised the vast majority of Merseyside football supporters on what was an emotional evening at Everton's famous ground. Eight arrests were made in total, which the force claim is "only a very small number".

"It was a great atmosphere last night with high emotions on both sides and fans enjoyed themselves responsibly, seeing the Grand Old Lady off in style," said Chief Superintendent Doyle.

“I would like to thank everyone for enjoying the evening safely, as there were very little incidents to note with the vast majority of football fans enjoying the game without causing any disruption.”