Everton vs Liverpool Merseyside derby postponed after Storm Darragh hits UK | OneFootball

Reds’ final Premier League trip to Goodison Park called off on safety grounds due to adverse weather conditions

Liverpool were due to make the short trip to Goodison Park for the final time in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime before Everton leave their famous old home of 132 years and move into a new 52,888-seater stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock in the summer.

However, the dangerous weather conditions caused after Storm Darragh hit the UK have led to the decision to postpone the match - which was due to kick off at 12:30pm GMT - on safety grounds.

In a statement to confirm the postponement, Everton said on Saturday morning shortly after 8:30am: “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.

Postponed: A new date will need to be found for the last Premier League Merseyside derby at Goodison Park

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“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.

“Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course. All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”

Scores of other sporting events had already been postponed as Storm Darragh brings extreme winds and rain to the UK, leaving thousands without power and causing the Cabinet Office to issue an emergency alert on Friday night after the Met Office’s rare red weather warning for parts of Wales and south-west England indicating a potential risk to life.

Plymouth’s home game with Oxford and Cardiff’s meeting with Watford in the Championship were called off on Friday, along with all other domestic football and rugby matches in Wales - including Newport’s League Two contest against Carlisle - and a number of non-league fixtures in England.

Bristol Rovers have also announced the postponement of their League One match against Bolton on Saturday, with Crawley vs Stevenage and Blackpool vs Rotherham also off along with Barrow vs MK Dons and Notts County vs Colchester in League Two.

The rest of Saturday’s Premier League schedule remains unaffected at present, with Manchester United issuing a statement to confirm that their teatime kick-off against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford was set to go ahead as planned.

“Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned,” United said.

“The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”

Brentford vs Newcastle and Crystal Palace vs Manchester City are going ahead in London, as is the day’s other 3pm top-flight game between Aston Villa and Southampton.

Horse racing meetings at Aintree, Chepstow and Wolverhampton are all off, however, along with the women’s Premiership rugby match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate.