Scooters lie on the ground near the entrance of Goodison Park after the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was postponed because of adverse weather, in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool which was scheduled to take place on Saturday was postponed due to Storm Darragh, which brought dangerous winds and rain to the west coast.
On the day of the match, hosts Everton issued a statement saying that the match will not go ahead as planned due to the Met office saying that parts of Wales had experienced wind gusts of over 90mph.
“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 6 a.m. on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds,” Everton’s statement read.
Today’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
Full details to follow. pic.twitter.com/ikF8iJRTGs
— Everton (@Everton) December 7, 2024
“We apologize 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.” The Premier League said “the rearrangement of the fixture will be announced in due course,” it added.
Meanwhile, Brentford and Crystal Palace who are also scheduled to play their match on Saturday said their games will be played.
“Today’s match is still scheduled to go ahead despite the bad weather,” Brentford said. “Please travel safely, plan ahead, and allow extra time for your journey.”
Storm Darragh was expected to “gradually ease from late morning as it crosses the UK, so the strongest winds in the west will start to reduce through Saturday,” Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington said.
(With agency inputs)
