Everton vs Liverpool: Storm Darragh postpones Merseyside derby

Everton vs Liverpool: Storm Darragh postpones Merseyside derby

Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions on Merseyside.

The four other Premier League games on Saturday took place as planned.

The league’s final Merseyside derby at Goodison – before Everton’s move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock – was due to start at 12.30pm on Saturday.

However, it has now been confirmed that the game will not take place due to the impact of Storm Darragh, with strong winds of up to 70mph predicted in the area.

Discussions between the two clubs and local authorities took place on Saturday morning, with concerns over the safety of fans traveling to Goodison leading to calls for a postponement. The game will now likely be rescheduled as a night game later in the season.

A statement from Everton on Saturday morning said: “Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park this morning, attended by officers from both clubs as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council, it was decided that due to the risk of strong gusts of wind and a yellow warning for high winds that remains in force until 6 a.m. Sunday, today’s game must be postponed for safety reasons.

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank the fans for their understanding. While we recognize this will be deeply disappointing for fans, the safety of fans, staff and players is of the utmost importance.”

“Information regarding a new date for the game will be announced in due course. All tickets purchased for the original game will remain valid for the new game.”

Liverpool sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, although that lead could be reduced to four points if Chelsea and Arsenal pick up victories over Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur respectively this weekend.

The remaining games start at 3 p.m. local time. Aston Villa host Southampton and urged fans to take advantage of the extra time to get to Villa Park in Birmingham in the West Midlands.

In London, Brentford hosts Newcastle and Crystal Palace hosts Manchester City.

Brentford and Palace both said their games will be played.

“Today’s game should go ahead despite the bad weather,” said Brentford. “Please travel safely, plan ahead and allow extra time for your trip.”

Storm Darragh was expected to “gradually weaken from late morning as it crosses the UK, with the strongest winds in the west expected to ease by Saturday,” Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington said.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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