Former Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson slammed for claiming a ‘poisonous cancer of so called fans’ broke Bill Kenwright’s heart after the death of the long-serving Everton chairman

• Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has tragically passed away at the age of 78
• Former Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson angered fans with his Kenwright tribute
• Anderson had hit out at a section of Everton fans over their protests this year

Former Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has been criticised after claiming ‘so-called Everton fans’ broke the heart of their late club chairman Bill Kenwright.

Kenwright’s death was announced by his family on Monday, with the 78-year-old having had a battle against cancer.

The legendary theatre producer had served as Everton’s club chairman since 2004, after joining the board back in 1989.

Kenwright’s role at the club had face scrutiny by supporters in recent years, with the Toffees facing multiple relegation scares in recent Premier League seasons.

He was one of four Board members advised not to attend games earlier this year, after a match in January saw claims then chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale had been grappled by a supporter.

Former Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has faced criticism for his tribute to Bill Kenwright

The family of Kenwright, left, announced the Everton club chairman’s death on Tuesday 

Anderson slammed a group of ‘so-called Everton fans’ for breaking Kenwright’s heart 

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Anderson, who served as Liverpool Mayor between 2012 and 2021, paid tribute to Kenwright on social media on Monday.

The life-long Everton fan caused controversy by hitting out a section of ‘so-called’ fans, who he labelled as ‘poisonous’.

‘Bill Kenwright died having fought brain and recently liver cancer with bravery and dignity,’ Anderson wrote.

‘But I know it was the poisonous cancer of so called fans personally attacking him that hurt most and broke his heart.

‘His dedication and loyalty to Everton was unquestionable and he deserved better. RIP Bill.’

The post on X, formerly Twitter, was met with a backlash with Anderson urged to deleted his comment.  

‘Appalling, unnecessary, inflammatory rhetoric. Worse still, is the lack of respect to the deceased to tie it to a “tribute”,’ one Everton fan responded.

‘I’ve seen some insensitive tweets in my time, but this is one of the worst, what are you thinking?’ wrote another.

‘Absolutely disgusting this. Trying to through blame out when somebody has lost their life? You should be ashamed of yourself,’ a third posted.

Anderson’s post referenced protests against the long-serving Everton chairman this year

Anderson refused criticism and called for Kenwright to be honoured at Everton’s stadium

Everton have said their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will be Kenwright’s lasting legacy

Anderson doubled down on his post following criticism, adding that Kenwright should be honoured when Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium opens.

‘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.’

Everton have paid a series of tributes to Kenwright, who passed away peacefully on Monday while surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Owner Farhad Moshiri paid a heartwarming tribute and said the club’s new stadium would serve as Kenwright’s lasting legacy to the club.

Tributes from football and the entertainment have poured in for Kenwright.

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