Police investigating threatening banner telling Rafa Benitez ‘we know where you live’ amid Everton manager links
POLICE are investigating a threatening banner apparently aimed at Rafael Benitez that says ‘we know where you live’.
The former Liverpool boss is in talks to take over as Everton’s new manager.
Goodison Park fans have been protesting the possible appointment of the Spanish manager.
And a banner left in the Wirral area where Benitez shares a home with his wife and two daughters has ’caused some distress’.
Merseyside Police detective inspector Darren Taylor said: “This message has understandably caused some distress and worry for residents in the area.
“Due to the football language used, we suspect that it was aimed at Rafa Benítez – but whoever placed the message left it outside the wrong house.
“If anyone has information about who produced the banner or helped to put it up, please let us know as soon as possible.”
Benitez is expected to be named as Everton’s new boss imminently.
And with Alisher Usmanov getting his way over the choice of Carlo Ancelotti’s successor the former Liverpool manager could be in charge in a matter of days.
Sun Sport revealed that Russian oligarch Usmanov has a growing influence behind the scenes at Goodison even if his close friend Farhad Moshiri is majority owner.
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It is he who has pushed for Benitez to be brought in – despite opposition from large sections of the Everton support.
Not only because Benitez was Liverpool manager but because he also called the Toffees a “small club.”
Chairman Bill Kenwright is understood to have been dead against bringing in the Spaniard.
But Usmanov, who partnered Moshiri in a 30 per cent holding in Arsenal before both sold out, has persuaded the British Iranian that Benitez, who still has a home on Merseyside, is the right man for the job.