DAVID MOYES believes Everton have shown they are not a club “torn apart” – but warned supporters prolonged protests may ultimately affect the team.

Moyes saw his players deliver a stirring performance when securing a 2-2 Premier League draw at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.

The game was preceded by a peaceful protest march from fans’ group The Blue Union calling for change among the Goodison Park hierarchy.

And while respecting the right for those supporters to have an opinion, Moyes is concerned any long-term action could destabilise the club.

“What I’ve been trying to get across is that any protests can maybe diminish what we have achieved, and what we have still got at Goodison,” said the Everton manager.

“Look, people are entitled to their opinion, and I would never tell anyone they were wrong for expressing it, but I think we have to be careful in what we believe Everton are capable of achieving.

“We had a very rugged side out there against Villa who were very committed, and yes, we outplayed them at times, so even though we didn’t get the result, we deserved it, and more importantly there were many positives to take from the performance and the afternoon.

“Most of all, I didn’t feel we were a club who were torn apart. Like I say, people have the right to say something, but what I saw was a unity inside the ground, with everyone all in this together.”