Richarlison faces FA rap after lobbing flare into crowd as Everton star celebrates

EVERTON star Richarlison is being investigated by the FA after chucking a lit flare into the crowd after his match-winning goal.

The Brazilian ace faces a potential THREE-match ban for his celebration.

The Toffees claimed a crucial three points against Chelsea after the Brazilian tucked his effort into the bottom corner.

The resulting celebrations saw a flare end up on the pitch, which Richarlison then lobbed back into the crowd.

His reaction came after wild celebrations broke out at Goodison following the goal.

A mistake by Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta opened the door for a Everton goal only a minute into the second half.

Amid the scenes, a flare releasing blue smoke was chucked onto the pitch.

At the end of his celebrations, Richarlison took the flare and appeared to throw it back into the crowd.

It is not clear where the flare ended up after his throw.

An Everton club spokesperson said: “We will look into the matter but, as far we we are concerned, Richarlison was attempting to throw it out of the ground.”

FA bosses confirmed a probe was likely to be launched when they receive the reports if referee Kevin Friend and Prem match day delegates.

Wembley officials were alerted to the video evidence and a charge appears almost certain.

That could bring a three-match ban, dealing a huge blow to Everton’s survival hopes.

Earlier this year, the FA wrote to Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott after he was seen handling a flare after the Carabao Cup Final, which the Reds won on penalties.

Richarlison’s goal was enough to put Everton within two points of safety, with a game in hand on the teams above them.

The Merseysiders were helped by a stunning performance by Jordan Pickford to keep the Chelsea attack at bay.