The Twitter account of the Merseyside Police has been swamped in controversy this afternoon following tweets that many social media users deemed to be inappropriate.  The controversy arose following Everton’s 6-2 win over Sunderland at Goodison Park this afternoon, and a lot of Everton fans took to Twitter to celebrate the win. However, some users took the opportunity to tweet the Merseyside police insinuating that a ‘rape’ had taken place at Goodison Park. The replies from the Merseyside Police Twitter account though left a number of users shocked.

So @MerseyPolice have deleted their tweets. Unfortunately for them, I have screen shots. Is rape a joke to you? pic.twitter.com/pk8F27Q71d

— Kelly O'Donnell_MCFC (@Kelly_O_Donnell) November 1, 2015

The tweets have since been deleted from the account, and an apology has also been issued.

We would like to apologise for any offence caused by inappropriate tweets from the force account this afternoon. They do not reflect (1/3)

— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) November 1, 2015

the strenuous efforts made by Merseyside Police to investigate serious sexual crimes and protect victims. (2/3) — Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) November 1, 2015

An full investigation has been launched into the inappropriate use of the Merseyside Police Twitter account. (3/3)

— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) November 1, 2015

There were mixed reactions to the incident on Twitter.

People getting offended by that Merseyside police tweet pic.twitter.com/Ez7TRC7tvT

— Captain Kidd (@kidd_kong78) November 1, 2015

Anyone complaining about the tweet off @MerseyPolice really needs to have a long hard look at themselves

— David Tyman (@davediamondo) November 1, 2015

@LivEchonews @MerseyPolice Imagine actually sitting there and getting offended over a tweet hahahaha

— Paul (@PaulG_11) November 1, 2015

FFS. Cheeky bit of 'rape banter' from @MerseyPolice pic.twitter.com/cJ1mRN0IlG

— Siobhan Fenton (@SiobhanFenton) November 1, 2015

@JME_Watts84 @Holbornlolz @MerseyPolice I agree actually mate, people love getting folks fired these days

— The Chebbmeister (@LonMaurice) November 1, 2015

@MerseyPolice Just let it go, Jesus. Tell someone not to do it again and move on.

— MikeDrop (@SmuggieMike) November 1, 2015

@MerseyPolice Worrying that whoever posted thought it wasn't offensive

— Tim Galsworthy (@TimGalsworthy) November 1, 2015

@MerseyPolice I hope you consider some decent training for your staff. This reflects terribly on your organisation.

— Panny (@Pannypannypan) November 1, 2015

@MerseyPolice please do not waste resources on this and lighten up ? There a will always exist "the offended" who do not have a life.

— Sam (@SamSrm123srm) November 1, 2015

@MerseyPolice people spare a thought for the victims of sexual assault, yes we may see the funny side but real victims do not need this

— phj (@phj66) November 1, 2015