Everton have severed links with one of their sponsors following an incident involving Wayne Rooney at last week's FA Cup game with Manchester United.
Two members of Ellesmere Port Motor Auctions' party were seen to angrily exchange words with the ex-Toffees star as he left the pitch after the warm-up.
An investigation has been held and Everton director of communications Ian Ross said: "We set very high standards.
"In future, EPMA will not be invited to sponsor Everton in any capacity."
Ross went on to explain: "A member of the EPMA party who was standing on the pitch close to the players' tunnel saw fit to make an ill-judged and totally unnecessary remark to Rooney as he made his way back to the dressing-room.
"The remark, whilst undoubtedly delivered on the spur of the moment, was
inflammatory and aggressive in nature.
"The incident was not only seen by a television audience running into many
millions, it also featured prominently in national and local newspapers, so
tarnishing Everton's reputation and damaging its image."
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