The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool has been called off due to severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Darragh. The match, scheduled to take place at Goodison Park, was postponed after an amber weather warning for strong winds was issued for Merseyside on Saturday morning. The decision was made after discussions between both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council, prioritizing the safety of fans, players, and staff.
Everton released a statement confirming the postponement, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to supporters but emphasizing that the safety of everyone involved was the top concern. The match, initially set to kick off at 12:30 GMT, was to be the final league derby at Goodison Park before Everton moves to their new stadium in 2025.
At the time of the postponement, Liverpool were seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, with rivals Chelsea and Arsenal set to play on Sunday. Everton, managed by Sean Dyche, were in 15th place, five points clear of the relegation zone.
The storm has also led to the cancellation of other sporting events, including championship matches between Cardiff and Watford, Plymouth and Oxford, as well as the League One game between Bristol Rovers and Bolton Wanderers. Additionally, race meetings at Chepstow and Aintree were abandoned.
Millions of people in parts of Wales and south-west England were urged to stay indoors as Storm Darragh brought winds of up to 90 mph in some areas, with the Met Office issuing its highest-level red warning for parts of western and southern Wales. Tens of thousands of homes were left without power across affected regions.
