Everton fans have reacted after Seamus Coleman was forced off early in their 2-0 win against Southampton in their emotional final match at Goodison Park.
Coleman started at right-back for just the fourth time this season and lead the Toffees out of the tunnel for the final time in front of the Grand Old Lady, as David Moyesâ side began an emotional afternoon.
Rock-bottom Southampton were arguably the ideal opposition for Everton to face as a party atmosphere soon broke out at Goodison, and that was matched by Iliman Ndiaye and his team-matesâ performances.
Ndiaye netted inside six minutes to effectively seal the result against a Saints side who failed to attempt a shot until the 62nd minute, and he doubled the lead with a fine individual effort in first-half stoppage time.
Coleman decision a bittersweet ending for Everton legend
Coleman is one of several Everton players with uncertain futures with just a matter of days left until the end of the season, and Ashley Young is one of three players whoseâ departures have been announced.
Football Insider revealed on 12 May that Coleman is set to continue as a member of Evertonâs staff next season, but itâs unclear if the 36-year-old will now retire and become part of Moyesâ backroom team.
Against Southampton, Colemanâs first start since December lasted just 18 minutes as he pulled a muscle early on and was quickly withdrawn by Moyes, followed by a massive ovation from the home crowd.
The veteran right-back was replaced by another in the form of 39-year-old Young, and as Everton fans bid farewell to several members of their squad, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Coleman.
Everton fans react to âColeman testimonialâ against Southampton
Moyesâ return to Goodison Park resulted in an upturn in form which took Everton firmly out of relegation contention months ago, and since then the Toffees have been largely looking forward to their new era.
Goodison Park will stay in business to host Everton Women matches from next season as the men move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but supporters were hopeful that Coleman will remain part of the furniture.
Some fans suggested that an early cameo for Coleman âhas been planned for weeksâ by Everton, while others were âguttedâ that the Irishmanâs potential farewell appearance was cut short by injury so early.
Other supporters joked that Coleman âpretended to be injuredâ in order to join in on the celebrations at Goodison, while several were simply overwhelmed and said they were crying at his âtestimonialâ cameo.
Seamus Coleman getting injured and subbed off also feels right
â Steve (@Steve7218959515)Â May 18, 2025
That Seamus Coleman substitution has been planned for weeks hahaha
â JP (@JP__267)Â May 18, 2025
Seamus Coleman, man. Got me crying in the club.
â Tim (@yothisiswack)Â May 18, 2025
Sir Seamus Coleman I am applauding you from my living room. If this is the last time, I most certainly enjoyed you
â đ (@Flaminiesta)Â May 18, 2025
Gutted hes went off but Seamus Coleman leading us out today had to happen and it did
â Space Available for rent. (@chrisjlatimer)Â May 18, 2025
Class of Seamus Coleman to end whatâs probably his final game at Everton early to give a younger player a go đđđ
â Shezza (@ShezzaIsBack)Â May 18, 2025
Conspiracy theory: This game was also Seamus Colemanâs testimonial but he didnât want to say.
â Adam (@adamjgosling)Â May 18, 2025
Legend is a word thrown around way too much nowadays, but make no mistake about it, Seamus Coleman is a genuine @Everton legend!
What a man.
Thank you Seamus đ #EFC
â That David (@thatdavid_)Â May 18, 2025
Big respect to Seamus Coleman pretending to be injured after 15 mins so he can get on the beers.
â Daniel Wood (@dubbzylad)Â May 18, 2025
Seamus Coleman getting injured in last ever game at Goodison Park is a sad thing
One of the rare guys who is absolutely respected around the city both Blue as well as Red for the way he has conducted himself in and around them
â taskarveer dhimdhi mathai fan (@karthik_jammy_)Â May 18, 2025
