Everton and Liverpool have been forced to postpone the Merseyside Derby scheduled for Saturday at Goodison Park due to fan safety concerns amidst the severe weather brought by Storm Darragh.
The decision, made on the morning of 7 December, marks a significant moment as it was set to be the final Premier League clash between the two clubs at the iconic stadium.
BBC Radio Merseyside journalist Giulia Bould confirmed that the storm’s impact, particularly gale-force winds, led to the decision. She emphasised that the safety of supporters was the paramount concern, even as Goodison Park itself remained secure.
“It’s blustery, to say the least. We’ve got an amber weather warning here on Merseyside, and that is what’s seen the Merseyside Derby be postponed,” Bould explained via a BBC Match of the Day post on X [7 December].
“There was a meeting early this morning between Merseyside police, Liverpool city council, Everton and Liverpool, and it’s really come down to the safety of the supporters this one.
“Anyone who knows where Goodison Park is, it’s in the heart of the L4 postcode, it’s surrounded by houses, it’s right by Stanley Park as well.
“It’s just too treacherous in these types of gale-force winds to allow 40,000 supporters to try and make their way into Goodison.
“So, the stadium itself right now is being locked down. There’s no risk to Goodison Park itself.”
Everton v Liverpool postponement explained:
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett suggested there could be damage to the stadium, but Bould dismissed these concerns, assuring fans that Goodison Park has been secured.
For Sean Dyche’s Everton, the timing of the postponement disrupts their momentum after a commanding 4-0 victory against Wolves at home on 4 December.
Meanwhile, Liverpool may feel some relief, having struggled to a 3-3 draw against Newcastle the same evening.
The Reds would also have been without key players Alexis Mac Allister, who is suspended, and injured stars Alisson, Ibrahima Konaté, and Diogo Jota.
Despite the disappointment, the decision to postpone the game avoids putting fans at risk during hazardous conditions. Both clubs will now pause their campaigns and wait for the fixture to be rescheduled.
Some Everton fans hope that Goodison’s final Merseyside Derby will now be played under the lights, adding to the atmosphere of this historic encounter later in the season.
