Julius OkorieAn Everton fan has bagged a life ban from the club’s new stadium even before it was due to be opened, bringing to the fore the saying, many days for the thief and one day for the owner.
The fan apparently working hard in the wrong direction filmed himself stealing food from a Bramley-Moore Dock test event. The act considered shameful and unaccepted led to revocation of his Everton membership card.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Toffees’ new stadium, Bramley-Moore Dock, will open for business officially next season, and the ground has already staged two separate test events allowing fans inside the arena.
The second event saw 25,000 allowed inside to watch the club’s U21s beat Bolton B 1-0, while a further third event is slated for later this year.
Yet at the first test event back in February, one supporter filmed himself ordering food and drink from the refreshment facilities before leaving without paying, and bragging about it on camera.
The footage, which was posted to social media, shows the man order his meal at the counter at the event, which saw 10,000 fans allowed in to watch an U18s friendly with Wigna.
‘Here he comes, the good man himself,’ he is then heard saying as the server approaches with his order.
He then asked ‘Can I have a black coffee with sugar please?’
While the server then goes to get the coffee, the fan then picks up his food and walks away from the bar without paying.
‘Well, the first man to officially do a Toby (slang for theft) at Bramley-Moore Dock!’ he boasts for the camera.
Now though the club has told the Liverpool Echo that the fan had indeed seen their membership from the Toffees revoked, as well as paying a value equivalent to the cost of the food to a charitable cause.
‘Following enquiries into a social media clip showing clear theft of food during the first test event at Everton Stadium (February 17, 2025), a 62-year-old male from the Rainhill area was identified as being responsible.
‘The matter was referred to Merseyside Police and the individual has been dealt with by means of an out-of-court disposal.
‘As part of this resolution, he has agreed to make a donation equivalent to the cost of the stolen items (£12.75) to Everton in the Community.
READ ALSO:EPL: Everton Exit Goodison Park After 131 Years As Last Derby Ends In Drama
‘In line with the Club’s zero-tolerance approach to such behaviour, the individual has also been issued with an indefinite ban from Everton Football Club and his seasonal membership has been revoked.
The Toffees’ new ground will hold almost 53,000 fans when operating at full capacity
‘The Club will continue to work with local authorities and event staff to ensure that all visitors to Everton Stadium can enjoy a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.’
Everton will move to their new 52,888 capacity for the new season, departing Goodison Park after 133 years at their iconic ground.
After a shaky start to the campaign under Sean Dyche, the Toffees have been resurgent since re-appointing David Moyes, who has safely guided them to 13th, ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham.
The last team to visit Goodison Park in the Premier League will be Southampton on May 18.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
