Everton fans join thug hunt

Everton's supporters have joined the search for the coin thrower who felled the Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll in last Saturday's FA Cup tie.

Everton's supporters have joined the search for the coin thrower who felled the Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll in last Saturday's FA Cup tie.

Merseyside Police are still investigating the incident at Goodison Park, with the Football Association likely to charge Everton with failing to control their fans. The supporters have become involved in the campaign after Everton's initial plea to find the culprit proved unsuccessful.

"It shows that everyone at this club is united in their condemnation of what happened and we are all pulling together to find the culprit," said Ian Ross, Everton's director of communications.

Everton have been told privately that it will help the club when it has to answer a charge if the coin thrower has been discovered and police are able to take action.

Everton, who had had two previous crowd incidents this season, can expect a fine of up to £50,000. The FA is believed to be waiting for the police to catch the culprit before it acts.

"Clearly, the FA will be launching an investigation, although we have heard nothing official from them yet," Ross said. "If the culprit can be found and dealt with as soon as possible, this would undoubtedly help the club. Someone must know who he is. If you do, for the good of the club, contact Merseyside Police."

Police are studying enhanced CCTV pictures and Ross said: "We are led to believe they are much closer to making an identification." But a police spokesman said: "The investigation is still ongoing. We have made no arrest yet."

Saturday's match was also soured by a battle between rival fans in the Everton Valley district of the city, a mile from Goodison Park. Police have charged another six people in connection with the fights, having already charged 15 others with public order or drink offences.