Everton supporters have voiced their fury following the club’s announcement of a new sponsorship deal with Red Bull as their official energy drink partner.
The Toffees have been on the hunt for fresh sponsorship to address their ongoing financial woes at Goodison Park.
This deal with Red Bull, known for its growing involvement in English football through investments in clubs like Leeds and sponsorship of Newcastle, has now extended to Everton.
However, the partnership has sparked outrage among the fanbase, with many objecting not to Red Bull’s corporate influence but to the very name itself.
The “Red” in Red Bull has proven too much for some, given Everton’s fierce rivalry with Liverpool. The association with the colour red, symbolising their bitterest rivals, has left a sour taste in the mouths of many Blues.
Some fans have even drawn parallels to the backlash faced by former manager Ronald Koeman, who once shared an image of his red Christmas decorations during his time at the club, causing a similar stir among supporters. The colour red, in any form, seems to be a line in the sand for some.
Following the sponsorship announcement, the reaction from Evertonians has been swift and damning. Many took to social media to vent their frustration, with one fan stating, “This is a disgrace. We want nothing to do with that colour.”
Despite the financial boost the partnership could bring, which may prove crucial to the club’s fortunes, the decision has been met with widespread discontent. The rivalry with Liverpool, it appears, runs deeper than football itself.