Ex-Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson sparks backlash with Bill Kenwright statement
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright dies aged 78
Former Liverpool city mayor Joe Anderson has come under fire for using his tribute to former Everton chairman Bill Kenwright to attack some of the club’s supporters after he passed away on Monday night. Kenwright died at the age of 78 with the news, confirmed on Tuesday, drawing tributes from all over football from some of its most esteemed figures. But Anderson’s farewell has left Everton fans fuming after he labelled a portion of their fanbase a ‘poisonous cancer’.
Kenwright, the long-serving club servant and legendary theatre producer, had been released from hospital earlier this month to recover from a prolonged stay in intensive care after he had a cancerous liver tumour removed in August. But in a club statement on Tuesday, Everton confirmed their chairman had passed away ‘peacefully’ with his family by his side.
Everton said: “Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
It later added: “The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
READ MORE Bill Kenwright’s life from Coronation Street actor to Everton supremo[PROFILE]
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Anderson, who was leader of Liverpool City Council from 2010 to 2021, claimed to be close to Kenwright and gave his own tribute on Tuesday afternoon.
However, the 65-year-old’s words left people angry after he singled out Everton supporters for their opposition towards Kenwright, suggesting they were a ‘poisonous cancer’.
He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Bill Kenwright died having fought brain & recently liver cancer with bravery & dignity. But I know it was the poisonous cancer of so called fans personally attacking him that hurt most & broke his heart. His dedication & loyalty to Everton was unquestionable & he deserved better RIP Bill.”
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After Everton fans reacted angrily to his tribute, Anderson refused to back down and even promised to ‘say more’ at a later date after revealing he spoke to Kenwright just before his operation.
He added: “The vitriol from the few is expected. Let me tell you, that I spoke to him as I did regularly and did so hours before his operation. I will say more, not now but later, to the angry brigade I send you my love and prayers. The stadium, his legacy has to honour him appropriately.”
Kenwright was the club’s largest shareholder by 2004 and remained in his post as chairman for the next 19 years, even after selling his stake to Moshiri in 2016.
He decided to stay on as chairman in June despite regular fan protests against the board, with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri agreeing to sell the club to 777 Partners in August.
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