Everton Fan Goes Viral After Hiding Ball from Chelsea's Reece James During Tough EPL Clash

• An Everton supporter stole the headlines on Sunday, May 1, for his antics as his side battled Chelsea at Goodison Park
• The man hid an out of play ball under his jumper to deny Reece James a chance to take a quick throw-in
• Chelsea were trailing the Toffees by a goal at the time courtesy of Richarlison's goal scored moments after the break

An Everton fan has gone viral on social media after his antics during his side's Premier League meeting with Chelsea on Sunday, May 1, at Goodison Park.

With the clock ticking deep in the second half, the yet to be identified Evertonian grabbed an out of play ball and hid it from Reece James who wanted to take a throw-in.

Footage from the incident showed the Toffees supporter taking advantage of James' lack of attention to hide the ball under his jumper as the Chelsea superstar looked the other way.

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Football

And moments after James had walked away, the man could be seen taking the ball from inside his jumper before sticking it behind the advertising hoardings.

The fan's clever move earned him praise and admiration from his fellow football fans, with some seeing the hilarious side of it.

Richarlison's goal earns Everton precious win

Fortunately for Everton, they went on to win the tie by a solitary goal scored by Brazilian Richarlison just seconds into the second half.

The goal was the only difference at the end of the tie as the home side bagged three important points to boost their Premier League survival chances.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford equally played a central role in Everton's victory as he produced a string of fine saves to deny the visitors a chance to score.

Frank Lampard hails Everton fans

Speaking after the match, Frank Lampard underscored the important role played by the fans in his side's win.

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The Englishman noted the hosts desperately needed the 12th man to see off his former club.

“Fans were the man of the match today," Lampard said.

Lampard apologises for helping Everton beat Chelsea

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Chelsea hero Frank Lampard has apologised to the club's supporters after he helped Everton beat them on Sunday, May 1.

Lampard took charge of Toffees at the end of January 2022, making a return to football management almost a year after he was sacked by the Blues.

The 43-year-old inspired the Merseyside to a 1-0 vital win over Chelsea, with Richarlison scoring the only goal of the match.