A severe weather warning has forced the postponement of the highly-anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park. The match was due to kick off at 12:30 GMT, but an amber weather warning for strong winds issued by the Met Office led to the cancellation.
The decision was made after a meeting between representatives from both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council. “Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance,” an Everton statement read.
Liverpool also released a statement, citing “the risk to safety in the local area” as the reason for the postponement. The match was set to be the final league derby between the two teams at Goodison Park before Everton moves into a new stadium in 2025.
The postponement is a disappointment for fans, especially with Liverpool sitting seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Sean Dyche’s Everton, on the other hand, are 15th in the top flight, five points clear of the relegation places.
Storm Darragh has caused widespread disruption across the UK, with millions of people in parts of Wales and south-west England told to stay at home to avoid danger. Forecasters have warned of winds of up to 90mph in some parts, while the Met Office issued its highest-level red warning to cover areas of western and southern Wales.
The storm has already caused disruption to numerous sporting events this weekend, including the postponement of two Championship fixtures – Cardiff v Watford and Plymouth v Oxford – and the League One game between Bristol Rovers and Bolton Wanderers. Race meetings at Chepstow and Aintree have also been abandoned.
