Merseyside derby postponed as Storm Darragh batters Liverpool

The final league Merseyside derby at Goodison Park has been postponed because of Storm Darragh after high winds battered most of the UK on Saturday.

Everton took the decision shortly after 8.30am following advice from Liverpool City Council’s Ground Safety Advisory Group.

An amber weather warning has been in place across the Merseyside region since the early hours of Saturday, and with nearly 40,000 spectators heading to Goodison, it was determined the risks were too high.

It remains to be seen how soon the fixture can be played given both clubs’ hectic schedule, especially heading into the Christmas period. It is likely to be well into the New Year before the much-anticipated Goodison derby farewell can now take place.

Liverpool were hoping to preserve or extend a seven point Premier League lead this weekend. They may now see that advantage cut to four if Chelsea and Arsenal take advantage, albeit Arne Slot’s side will obviously have a game in hand.

But Slot may also be consoled by the fact the derby was coming at a tricky time in the midst of the most demanding fixture list of his reign.

After wins over Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City at Anfield, he described the double header away games against Newcastle United and Everton as a ‘tougher challenge’.

That proved correct when two points were dropped at St James’ Park, and Liverpool would have been without key personnel against their Merseyside rivals as Alexis Mac Allister’s suspicion added to a significant absentee list.

By the time Liverpool go to Goodison in 2025, they will expect to have Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konate, Diogo Jota and Conor Bradley available again.

For their part, Everton were hoping to build on an impressive 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek, but they too have a daunting run of games to come.

Dyche’s side’s next three matches are against Arsenal away, Chelsea at home and Manchester City away.

In a club statement, Everton said:  “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.

“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.”