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A 62-year-old man has been banned indefinitely from Everton Football Club after he filmed himself stealing food during a test event at the Toffees' new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The incident occurred during the stadium’s inaugural test event on February 17, where around 10,000 fans gathered to watch an under-18s match between Everton and Wigan Athletic. The individual, from Rainhill, was seen on a now-viral social media video collecting a food order from a catering counter before walking off without paying. As he left, he joked on camera, “Well, the first man to officially do a Toby at Bramley-Moore Dock,” referring to slang for theft.
The video, which quickly circulated online, showed the man placing a food and drink order, then slipping away with his meal while the staff member was momentarily out of sight fetching a coffee.
Everton launched an investigation and, in coordination with Merseyside Police, identified the man involved. He has since been dealt with through an out-of-court disposal and agreed to make a £12.75 donation—the cost of the stolen items—to the club’s official charity, Everton in the Community.
In a statement to the Liverpool Echo, the club confirmed the indefinite ban and emphasized its commitment to maintaining a respectful atmosphere at its events.
“Everton Football Club operates a zero-tolerance approach to theft and anti-social behaviour,” a spokesperson said. “As a result of this incident, the individual’s seasonal membership has been revoked, and he has been permanently banned from attending Everton matches.”
The Premier League club is preparing to fully move into its new 52,888-capacity home next season, marking the end of an era at Goodison Park after 133 years. Two successful trial events have already taken place at the new ground, with a third planned before the official opening.
While off-field incidents like this one have raised eyebrows, on the pitch, Everton has been enjoying a resurgence. Under returning manager David Moyes, the team has climbed to mid-table safety, currently sitting 13th in the league with their top-flight status all but secured.
The final Premier League fixture at Goodison Park is set for May 18, when Everton hosts Southampton. The club hopes the move to the state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock venue will usher in a new chapter—both on and off the pitch.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / jorono, Unsplash / Aleksandra Kovacic
