The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, at 12:30 GMT, has been postponed due to severe weather caused by Storm Darragh.
A Saturday statement on the club website revealed this.
It is titled, “Everton vs Liverpool postponed because of bad weather.”
PUNCH Online reports that the Merseyside derby was supposed to be the opener game for game week 15 this weekend.
An emergency Safety Advisory Group meeting held at Goodison Park this morning, involving officials from both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council, deemed the match unsafe due to strong wind gusts and an amber severe wind warning in effect until 6:00 GMT on Sunday.
In a joint decision, the fixture was called off to ensure the safety of fans, players, and staff, as high winds overnight also caused significant travel disruptions across Merseyside.
Everton, Liverpool statement
Everton expressed their regret over the postponement, stating, “We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding.
“Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff, and players is of paramount importance.
“Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course. All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”
Liverpool echoed similar sentiments, adding “We appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, but the safety of fans, staff, and players is of paramount importance.
“Severe weather and high winds have also resulted in severe travel disruption in and around Merseyside.”
Travel Chaos, FPL Implications
Storm Darragh has wreaked havoc across the region, with gale-force winds disrupting travel and causing dangerous conditions. Fans travelling to the game faced major difficulties, solidifying the decision to postpone the fixture.
For Fantasy Premier League managers, the deadline to finalise squads remains unchanged at 11:00 GMT on Saturday, despite the postponement of this fixture.
Next Steps
Details regarding a new date for the fixture will be announced soon. Fans are advised to retain their tickets, which will remain valid for the rescheduled match.
This postponement underlines the unpredictable impact of extreme weather on football, as safety takes precedence over all else. Rugby union and horse racing were also affected among other matches.
Merseyside Police have advised against any non-essential travel in the region on Saturday, with an amber weather warning in place, Skysports reports.
It was set to be the final derby taking place at Goodison before Everton move to their new stadium.
