Ancelotti admits he has spoken to Delph following Instagram spat with fan

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Fabian Delph about reacting to fans criticising Everton on social media.

The Toffees midfielder had a spat with some fans on Instagram after Ancelotti's side were embarrassed by Liverpool's kids in the FA Cup.

Speaking in his pre-match press-conference before Everton's home tie against Brighton on Saturday, the Everton manager said: 'I spoke and the club spoke with him and it was a mistake - he shouldn't do a reaction like that.

'But after the game everyone is emotional and you can make a mistake like that.'

Everton had just lost 1-0 to their arch rivals who fielded a weakened team at Anfield before Delph reacted.

The supporter, furious at the feeble nature of Everton's display, was sent a message from Delph's account labelling him 'a disgrace'.

The fan was then taunted by being told they would 'ask for a picture' rather than criticise the team if they saw them in person.

Responding to a message saying 'f****** embarrassing you', Delph said: 'If you was in front of me you wouldn't say a word. Not a word. You'd ask for a picture.

The Everton fan replied by saying: 'F****** hell, you've been here half a season and you've played abar (sic) 5 minutes. Who the f*** are you?'

Delph said: 'Your (sic) a disgrace and your (sic) the gobs**** hiding behing your (sic) phone sending abuse. You think we wanna lose a game and you think we enjoyed losing a derby against them?'