Merseyside derby called off due to Cyclone Darragh threat over the city leading to torrential weather and rains.
Merseyside derby postponed due to Storm Darragh. It was supposed to kick off at Goodison Park.
Travel in and around Merseyside has been disrupted, and there is a risk to safety due to severe weather conditions and winds of up to 70 mph. At 8.30 am on Saturday, it was decided to postpone Everton’s match against Liverpool.
A statement released by the two clubs confirmed: “Following a safety advisory group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside police and Liverpool city council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.”
Everton’s statement added: “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.”
Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders may have scheduling congestion as a result of the postponement. Liverpool will play a midweek match every week until mid-February, except New Year’s, if they defeat Southampton in their Carabao Cup quarterfinal on December 18.
The food for today’s game has been donated by Everton to many local charity. Fans Supporting Foodbanks, who would have been gathering donations outside Goodison before to the game, have received some of them. The remainder will be donated to Everton In the Community and utilised in all of their upcoming events.
The League One matches between Bristol Rovers and Bolton, Crawley and Stevenage, and Blackpool and Rotherham have all been postponed, and there is yet room for more. The Football Association of Wales cancelled all of its fixtures under a red weather warning on Friday, including the Championship games between Cardiff and Watford on Saturday and Plymouth vs. Oxford. The League Two match between Newport and Carlisle was also cancelled. The weather has also affected MK Dons’ trip to Barrow and Notts County’s home game against Colchester.