Chris Sutton slams 'gutless' Everton after heavy Atalanta defeat and calls for travelling fans to get a refund

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Chris Sutton launched a blistering attack on Everton after their Europa League campaign got off to the worst possible start in Italy on Thursday night.

Ronald Koeman's side collapsed to a heavy 3-0 defeat at Atalanta, conceding all three goals during a particularly sorry first-half performance.

Coming off the back of a 3-0 loss at home to Spurs at the weekend and a trip to Manchester United on Sunday, it was a disastrous return to European competition for the Toffees.

Wayne Rooney gesticulates during Everton's 3-0 defeat by Atalanta on Thursday night

The travelling fans remonstrate with the players after the final whistle in Italy

Speaking as the co-commentator for BT Sport during the game, the Sportsmail columnist laid into the display and called for a goodwill gesture from the club. 

‘I feel sorry for that Everton support. Second time in eight years in Europe, two and a half thousand fans have made this trip. 

'I’d be writing to Everton and asking them for a refund because especially in the first-half it was a gutless performance, a weak performance.’ 

In the studio after the game, Martin Keown claimed the Blues resembled Dad's Army, given the maturing years of some of their key players.

Martin Keown claimed Everton resembled 'Dad's Army' on the pitch against Atalanta

Jermaine Jenas called Everton 'stale' and criticised the failure to replace Romelu Lukaku

He said: 'They suddenly start to look a bit like Dad's Army. Didn't see Baines get forward much, is Jagielka now at the end of his career? Rooney looked like an old man tonight.'

The former Arsenal defender called on Koeman to improve ahead of the weekend trip to Old Trafford.

'Koeman has got to take a good look at himself. They've lost their way, they didn't create anything. Two shots the whole night, it was a toothless performance no determination in the game. 

'They can only play better than this but that's a miserable bunch of players that will return home now. That's three games on the trot now, eight goals conceded and alarm bells will be ringing for Everton.'

Chris Sutton called for the visiting fans to be given refunds following the shambolic display

Jermaine Jenas called Everton 'stale' and wondered how they had not found a direct replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who was sold to United in July.  

He added: 'They haven't got a striker as far as I'm concerned. Young Calvert-Lewin has potential but he needs to be built into the squad. 

'They've lost Lukaku and not replaced him. How do you spend £140m and not replace him?'