Everton took the unprecedented step of releasing a statement ahead of their game with Southampton, explaining the board of directors had been told to stay away for their safety.
At its end, there were 10 words from a club spokesperson that proved unwittingly prophetic: ‘It is a profoundly sad day for Everton and Evertonians.’
How right they were. This fixture against Southampton was always going to be emotionally charged, with supporters having stated their intention to demonstrate against the way the club is being run, but the whole occasion took on a new level of intensity at midday with that announcement.