Everton hit with lawsuit by ‘renowned’ Liverpool artist over Goodison Park artwork dispute

Everton are now facing a lawsuit from a ‘renowned’ Liverpool artist over claims the club used one of his historic works at Goodison Park without permission.

The dispute centres around artwork displayed on the exterior of the stadium before the Toffees’ move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium last summer, with the artist now pursuing a copyright infringement case at the High Court.

Everton being sued by Frank Green over Goodison Park artwork

Liverpool artist Frank Green has launched legal action against Everton over the alleged unauthorised use of one of his drawings at Goodison Park.

Green, 83, claims a reproduction of his 1974 drawing of St Domingo Methodist Church – the church linked to Everton’s formation in 1878 – was used as part of a large wrap-around installation celebrating the club’s history outside the stadium, as per the Telegraph.

According to court documents, the artwork remained on display for around three years and was still visible on Google Maps imagery updated in July 2024.

Green says he first became aware of the alleged infringement in August 2022 before formally notifying Everton through lawyers two months later.

The claim alleges Everton “knowingly and deliberately” continued displaying the image after being informed of the issue. Green is now seeking damages, arguing a licence fee for use of the artwork would have been worth around £10,000 per year, rising to £15,000 for 2024 and 2025.

The legal filing also highlights Green’s long-standing reputation in Liverpool’s art scene.

His work has reportedly been owned or presented to figures including the Queen Mother, Margaret Thatcher, Pope John Paul II and several former Liverpool players. One of his football-themed paintings, The Last Game at the Kop, sold for £22,500 at auction in 2013.

Neither Everton nor Green have commented publicly on the ongoing case.

FGG says: An unwanted distraction for Everton

This is probably the last thing Everton wanted after finally closing the chapter on Goodison Park and settling into life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

While the legal process will now take its course, the dispute also highlights how emotionally significant football-related artwork and club heritage can become, especially in a city like Liverpool, where history and identity are so closely tied to both clubs.