Jordan Pickford ‘provoked into fight after insult was directed at his fiancée’

The Everton goalkeeper reportedly reacted to an insult aimed at his fiancée

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was reportedly provoked into a fight outside a Sunderland bar on Sunday night after his fiancée was called a "fat c***". Footage appearing to show Pickford involved in the fracas was widely shared on social media on Monday, prompting Everton to announce they were "looking into the matter" on Monday night. Northumbria Police also confirmed they were trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Other footage, believed to be from earlier in the night, shows Pickford being subjected to shouts of "butter fingers" and "small arms". He appeared to laugh off these taunts as he posed for photos with fans. However, a report from i News says witnesses claim things turned hostile when the insult was directed at Pickford's fiancée, Megan Davison, triggering the scenes which followed. The 25-year-old England international was reportedly later dragged from the scene before the police arrived. Pickford grew up in the Sunderland area, spending the early part of his career with his local side before becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in British football when he moved to Everton in 2017. He had received permission to return home after helping Marco Silva's side to a 2-0 win over West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.